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Budget 2026: 15 Archaeological Sites, AVGC Labs in Schools Get Major Push

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed transforming 15 key archaeological sites, including Lothal and Dholavira, into experiential cultural destinations with curated walkways and immersive technology. The budget also includes a major push for the AVGC sector, with plans to establish content creator labs in thousands of schools and colleges to prepare youth for future jobs. Furthermore, four major telescope facilities will be upgraded to promote astrophysics, and a new National Institute of Design will be established in Eastern India. These initiatives align with the government's broader 'Viksit Bharat' vision for a developed India.

Key Points: Budget 2026: 15 Archaeological Sites, AVGC Labs Announced

  • 15 archaeological sites to become cultural hubs
  • AVGC labs in 15,000 schools & 500 colleges
  • Four telescope facilities to be upgraded
  • New National Institute of Design for Eastern India
2 min read

Union Budget 2026: Centre proposes to develop 15 archaeological sites into experiential cultural destinations

FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces plan to develop 15 archaeological sites into cultural destinations and set up AVGC labs in 15,000 schools.

"I propose to develop 15 archaeological sites... into vibrant, experiential cultural destinations. - Nirmala Sitharaman"

New Delhi, February 1

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed to develop 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal, Dholavira, and Sarnath, into "vibrant, experiential cultural destinations."

The Centre will open curated walkways at these sites, including immersive storytelling and technologies to help conservation labs, interpretation centres, and guides.

Presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament, Nirmala Sitharaman said, "I propose to develop 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Leh Palace into vibrant, experiential cultural destinations. Excavated landscapes will be opened to the public through curated walkways. Immersive storytelling skills and technologies will be introduced to help conservation labs, interpretation centres, and guides."

FM Sitharaman also announced four telescope infrastructure facilities to be set up or upgraded.

"To promote astrophysics and astronomy via immersive experiences, four telescope infrastructure facilities will be set up or upgraded - the National Large Solar Telescope, the National Large Optical-infrared Telescope, the Himalayan Chandra Telescope and the COSMOS-2 Planetarium," the Finance Minister said.

Presenting her ninth consecutive Budget, Sitharaman said the Centre plans to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai, in setting up Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges nationwide.

The move is aimed at preparing young Indians for careers in a sector projected to need two million professionals by 2030.

"India's Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics AVGC sector is a growing industry," the Finance Minister said, underlining the need for early exposure and structured training to meet future workforce demands.

The proposed labs are expected to focus on hands-on learning and skill development aligned with industry requirements.

The announcement places the AVGC sector firmly within the government's broader vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), the central theme of the Budget.

In a related push to strengthen creative and design education, Sitharaman also announced that a new National Institute of Design will be established in Eastern India through a challenge-based route. The initiative aims to address the rising demand in the Indian design industry and expand access to high-quality design education.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see Sarnath and Hastinapur on the list. These are important pilgrimage and historical sites for many Indians. I hope the "curated walkways" are done with sensitivity and don't commercialize the spiritual essence of the place. The focus should be on education.
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Rohit P
While I appreciate the focus on culture and AVGC, I have a respectful criticism. The budget should also clearly allocate funds for the maintenance and security of these archaeological sites *after* development. We've seen many projects start well but decay due to poor upkeep. Let's hope there's a long-term plan.
S
Sarah B
The inclusion of Leh Palace is great. Ladakh's history is incredible but often overshadowed by its scenery. Making it an experiential destination will boost responsible tourism and local economies. The telescope upgrades sound exciting for science education too!
K
Karthik V
AVGC labs in 15,000 schools is ambitious and exactly what we need! The gaming and animation industry is booming. If executed well, this can create so many job opportunities for the next generation. Jai Hind!
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Meera T
Hope they develop Adichanallur properly. It's one of the oldest archaeological sites in South India. Our Tamil history needs to be showcased on a national platform. Good step for Viksit Bharat.

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