In addition to the above, the Department of Tourism is also mobilizing external funding from Japan for development of infrastructure at major Buddhist sites and is coordinating with relevant ministries to improve and develop road, rail and air connectivity. This was stated by Ms. Ambika Soni, Minister for Tourism and Culture in a reply to a question by Shri Nikhil Kumar in Lok Sabha today.

She further said that the Department of Culture is granting financial assistance for preservation and development of Buddhist art and culture in the country. It also extends budgetary support to Buddhist institutes and provides full funds for three autonomous central institutes at Leh, Sarnath and Nalanda which impart education in Buddhist religion and philosophy etc.

The centrally protected Buddhist sites in the country are maintained on a day-to-day basis and structural repairs of special nature are taken up as and when required. Preservation of structures and sculptures is also taken up besides environmental development to present the monuments in a befitting manner, she further stated.