LDT Board Meeting Held

The policy program and budget of Lumbini Development Trust for the fiscal year 2080/81 were presented at the council meeting. According to the provisions in the Trust's Act 2042, the policy program and budget were presented in the council meeting held in Lumbini on Monday, 8th of Shrawan. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hon. Sudhan Kiranti, who is also the Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust. Bikshu Metteyya, the Vice-Chairman, presented the progress of the fiscal year, and Treasurer Dhundiraj Bhattarai presented the budget program of 2080/81. Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya presented the policy program in the council meeting.

Treasurer Bhattarai proposed a budget of NPR 45 crores from the Nepalese government and NPR 23 crores and 3 lakhs from international sources. During the council meeting, Minister Kiranti urged for the development of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as a symbol of world peace, along with the implementation of various development plans.

He emphasized that the development of Lumbini's heritage should promote cultural and natural harmony. He also mentioned that Gautam Buddha's teachings of universal peace have spread across the world like a missile of peace, and he pledged to work with commitment on new plans for the development of Lumbini. He expressed that all political parties should unite to move forward together for the development of Lumbini.

During the inaugural session of the council meeting, State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hon. Sushila Shripali Thakuri, proposed to recognize Lumbini as a world peace pilgrimage site. She urged to involve all parties to achieve the development of Lumbini as a sacred place of peace. Minister Thakuri also mentioned that Gautam Buddha has introduced Nepal to the world, and Lumbini should not be used for anyone's personal gain.

During the meeting, Vice-Chairman Bikshu Metteyya informed that various policy-related issues in the Trust have been resolved, and the work of the Master Plan is in its final stages, requiring a budget of NPR 3 billion to be completed within three years. The meeting was attended by Joint Secretary Rajan KC from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, along with other Trust officials, executive members, and council members. Secretary Sanuraja Shakya also provided information on various guidelines and reports, including the International Buddhist Conference and Meditation Center Management and Administration Directive and the Financial Report of 2079.