Union Budget 2026 a Historic Gift for Tourism and Culture: Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal

Raipur, February 2026 : Chhattisgarh’s Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal has described the Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as a milestone for the state’s development. He said the budget is a revolutionary step towards making tourism a major engine of employment and showcasing India’s cultural heritage on the global मंच, which will prove to be a boon for a culturally rich state like Chhattisgarh.

The minister stated that the budget includes several significant measures to strengthen the tourism sector, such as the establishment of a National Institute of Hospitality, a pilot guide-training scheme at major tourism hubs, and the development of ecological mountain trails. In addition, converting 15 archaeological sites into cultural tourism destinations and reducing the TCS rate on international travel by 2 percent will make travel more affordable.

Shri Agrawal said that Chhattisgarh’s eco-ethnic tourism, tribal culture, and major events like the Rajim Kumbh will benefit immensely from these initiatives. “The efforts of the central government will help realize the tourism potential of Chhattisgarh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, our state government has already attracted investments of over ₹350 crore under Tourism Policy 2026, and this budget will further accelerate growth. With central support, development of tourism sites has already gained momentum,” he said.

He added that the state has received a golden opportunity to develop Chitrakoot, Bastar’s tribal culture, and the religious sites of Surguja as eco-tourism and cultural circuits.

The employment opportunities generated through the budget will be a boon for local youth, while the revenue of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has increased fivefold to ₹10 crore. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Finance Minister, Shri Agrawal said the budget is a strong step towards “Viksit Bharat.” He also announced that the state government is fully prepared at its level, stating, “This budget will not only promote tourism but will also strengthen Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity.”