In a significant move to strengthen the minority Buddhist population in the Himalayan belt - Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, under the leadership of Smriti Zubin Irani, launched the Buddhist Development Plan. The virtual event, held at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Choglamsar on March 10, included the virtual laying of the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 85 crore at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh. Additionally, the event marked the commencement of projects including a Training cum Examination Centre (200 seaters) at Polytechnic College, Kargil, and an Industrial Training Institute in Leh, estimated at a cost of Rs 14 crores and 50 lakhs.

In addition to these developments, Minister of Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, announced the establishment of a new Buddhist Centre at Delhi University for the promotion and preservation of Buddhist literature, language, and skills, with an estimated cost of Rs. 30 Crores.

The virtual event was attended by various dignitaries including Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Commissioner Secretary Social and Tribal Welfare, Padma Angmo, Vice Chancellor CIBS Leh, Prof Rajesh Ranjan, Executive Councillor Minority Affairs, LAHDC Leh, Ghulam Mehdi, along with other concerned officials, staff, and students of CIBS Leh. Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, attended the launch online from Delhi.

Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, congratulated the people of Ladakh, emphasizing that the Buddhist Development Plan would further strengthen various aspects of the Buddhist religion and culture, including the arts of thanka painting, sculpting, and preservation of manuscripts. He expressed confidence in the leadership of Vice Chancellor, CIBS Leh, Prof. Rajesh Ranjan, and assured continued support to further strengthen CIBS.

MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, thanked the Ministry of Minority Affairs and highlighted various initiatives taken by the government for the development of the minority Buddhist community across the country. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Ladakh, emphasizing the significance of the Buddhist Development Plan.

Commissioner Secretary, Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, Padma Angmo, congratulated CIBS on the approval of the project by the Government of India and assured support in moving forward their proposals to the ministry. She highlighted the opportunity for strengthening monastic schools under the Buddhist Development Plan and requested the VC to submit a Detailed Project Report for the development of monastery schools across Ladakh.

Vice Chancellor, CIBS Leh, Prof. Rajesh Ranjan, expressed optimism about the impact of the projects on strengthening CIBS. He highlighted various schemes under the program aimed at promoting vocational skill training and preserving Buddhist culture. He assured full commitment to realizing the projects' potential and mentioned ongoing projects in the pipeline.

The Buddhist Development Policy initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs aims to address the multifaceted needs of the Buddhist population and promote their social and economic upliftment. The flagship schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and PM-Vikas will provide community infrastructure and cover the skilling component, while financial assistance programs/scholarships will be covered under the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)