Budget 2024: Projects for port connectivity, tourism infra will be taken up on Lakshadweep, other islands, says FM

Presenting her sixth Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced plans to undertake projects aimed at enhancing port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities across various islands, including Lakshadweep, in response to the growing interest in domestic tourism within the country. “To address the emerging fervour for domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be taken up on our islands, including Lakshadweep. This will help in generating employment also,” said the Finance Minister.

Highlighting the nation’s economic strength, she emphasised its appeal as a favorable destination for business and conference tourism. The specific mention of Lakshadweep holds significance, especially following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the island on January 4. During his trip, he personally engaged in activities like snorkelling and expressed the view that Lakshadweep should be a must-visit destination for those seeking adventurous experiences. A row erupted on social media when a minister and some other leaders in the Maldives used derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach in Lakshadweep. Following this, several Indians and tour operators cancelled their plans to visit the Maldives, which has tilted towards China and away from India under its new President Mohamed Muizzu. Sitharaman, in her budget speech, said the Indian middle class also now “aspires to travel and explore”. Tourism, including spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship, she added. “States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at global scale. A framework for rating of the centres based on quality of facilities and services will be established,” the finance minister said. Long-term interest-free loans will be provided to states for financing such development on matching basis, she added. “The success of organising G-20 Summit meets at 60 places presented the diversity of India to global audience,” Sitharaman said. With inputs from agencies