LDT approves budget of over Rs 775 million

LUMBINI, NOVEMBER 11: The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) council meeting has approved the budget for the fiscal year 2081/82 BS (2024-25). The approved budget estimates total income and expenditures of Rs 775.5 million.

The meeting, chaired by Badri Prasad Pandey, the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, endorsed the budget. LDT Treasurer Dhundiraj Bhattarai presented the budget, which includes Rs 325.5 million in internal revenue and Rs 450 million in government grants.

LDT Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya also presented the policy and programs for the upcoming year, which were approved alongside the budget proposal.

The proposed budget aims to increase revenue by enhancing the number of pilgrims, managing donations, gifts, and offerings, auctioning timber, collecting parking fees, and producing promotional materials for Lumbini.

In terms of expenditures, priorities include implementing the Lumbini Master Plan, fulfilling submissions to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, developing infrastructure, promoting Tilaurakot as a World Heritage site, and fostering cooperation with local governments.

During the meeting, Minister Pandey emphasized his commitment to supporting Lumbini's development and promotion, highlighting the potential benefits for Lumbini and the tourism sector with the operation of the Gautam Buddha International Airport.

State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Arun Chaudhary, also attended the meeting.

LDT Vice Chairman Dr. Lharkyal Lama expressed concern over insufficient support from the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Tourism. He stated that if the government adopts a more liberal policy to promote Lumbini, the implementation of the Master Plan would be much smoother.

Additionally, the meeting agreed to form a task force to review and reassess contracts and timelines related to poorly constructed or underused monasteries and stupas in Lumbini.