New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) BJP MP Kangana Ranaut remarked that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Union Budget 2026 for the ninth consecutive time is “wholesome” and particularly “satisfying” for women.

The Lok Sabha MP from Mandi emphasized that the government's emphasis on enhancing tourism in Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast signifies a “revolutionary thought”.

Speaking to IANS outside Parliament, Ranaut stated, “The budget is quite wholesome. I would say it is especially satisfying for women, as it includes provisions such as hostels in every district. The budget has also given importance to Ayurveda and Yoga, which are our cultural treasures.”

She further articulated the focus on tourism, particularly in the Northeast and hilly states like Himachal Pradesh.

“For people in the Northeast and regions like Himachal, activities such as hiking and trekking are being promoted in a structured way. The focus on tourism is a matter of great relief for all of us and truly a revolutionary step,” she expressed.

Kangana also commended the overall presentation of the budget.

“Various aspects, including agriculture and related products like different types of nuts, which are prevalent in Himachal, have been covered thoughtfully. The budget has been presented in a very beautiful and comprehensive manner. I want to thank the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Union Finance Minister for this,” she added.

In the meantime, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans for developing ecologically sustainable railway infrastructure and hiking trails in major hill stations. She also outlined initiatives to launch mountain trains in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.

A scheme for developing Buddhist circuits in several Northeastern states was also proposed during the Budget 2026-27 presentation.

Sitharaman referred to the northeastern region as a “civilisational confluence of Theravada and Mahayana, or Vajrayana, traditions” and mentioned that the scheme will encompass connectivity initiatives, preservation of temples, and pilgrimage interpretation centres along the circuit.

The scheme will cover states such as Sikkim, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura, with an expectation to enhance tourism and connectivity in the area.

This news follows the Economic Survey 2025-26, which underscored the significance of the tourism sector in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to estimates from the Ministry of Tourism, travel and tourism contributed 5.22 percent to GDP in FY24, nearing pre-pandemic levels. However, the survey cautioned that actualizing the sector's full potential across various regions and translating it into sustained economic outcomes relies heavily on implementation capacity at the state and local levels.