Budget 2026: Digital Knowledge Grid to Preserve India's Heritage, Boost Tourism

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of a Digital Knowledge Grid to document India’s historical, cultural, and tourist assets, aiming to preserve heritage and create jobs.
• The Budget proposes upgrading the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology to a National Institute of Hospitality to improve workforce quality and industry relevance.
• A pilot program will upskill 10,000 tourist guides across 20 iconic destinations through a 12-week training course, in collaboration with an IIM.
• 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal and Sarnath, will be developed into experiential cultural destinations with immersive storytelling and conservation labs.
• Schemes for Buddhist circuits, medical tourism hubs, and eco-tourism trails (mountain, turtle, bird-watching) were also announced to boost tourism and generate employment.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 focuses on digital heritage preservation, tourism development, and job creation through various initiatives.