A
Apoorva Devanshi
Guest
As the much awaited day of “Pran-Pratishtha” on 22nd January is nearing. On one hand, people can be seen in a joyous mood sending gifts of all sorts from across the length and breadth of Bharat. On the other hand, there are some people, raising the argument of “Why Ram Mandir!?”. Schools and Hospitals would have been better for economic growth as U.P is one of backward states.
This made me research on the economic aspect of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. First of all, Ram Mandir is getting inaugurated recently but the developmental work never stopped. As a matter of fact, U.P had only 12 medical colleges from 1949-2016. However, it now has 32 new medical hospitals in last four years. Recently also Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated as many as 46 development projects worth Rs 15,700 Crore in U.P. These projects include setting up of refineries, waste disposal plants, new highways, rail lines and greenfield township etc.
The township will span across an area of 1407 acres across Lucknow-Gorakhpur Highway. It not only contains provisions for Mutts, Ashrams, guest houses, hotels and commercial complexes but will also meet the future aspirations of Ayodhya. Then local craftsman and artisans will be employed in the construction of public spaces. Such projects will transform the city into a regional growth center, as a result of improved connectivity and will boost economic activity throughout the region.
Now, considering that the temple is being constructed after a wait of 550 years. Devotees especially Hindus from all corners of the world will be visiting the city in huge numbers. Ayodhya is expected to receive around 3-5 Lakh visitors per day after the inauguration of the temple. Considering this, a redevelopment master plan worth Rs 83,000 crore has been initiated and is expected to be completed by 2031.
This plan aims to develop an area of 133 sq. km. as opposed to just the core city area of 31.5 sq. km. It envisions a city of 21st century which has all the modern amenities to meet the needs of the residents as well as of tourists. The plan aims to develop Ayodhya in such a manner that it embraces modernity while preserving its culture and heritage. Already 37 state and national agencies are working together to achieve this vision. The public works department of the UP government has taken on 34 projects worth Rs 7,500 crore, in addition to the Rs 10,000 crore projects that NHAI is currently working on. The infrastructure will be developed under eight themes like- Modern Ayodhya, Aesthetic Ayodhya, cultural Ayodhya and healthy Ayodhya etc.
Now having, stated the economic impact of Ram Mandir. I did like to state another point that the government has not just invested in infrastructure to attract investors for economic growth. It has also simultaneously invested in social infrastructure! There were only 12 medical colleges in U.P until 2016 but now it has 32 medical colleges. State run schools have increased from 1.3 crore in 2017 to 1.9 crore in 2022. The literacy rates are seeing an upward trend due to many government initiatives like “School Chalo Abhiyan” etc. Student enrolled in state-run schools has increased from 1.34 crore in 2017 to 1.92 crore in 2023. According to NITI Aayog, Multidimensional Poverty Index, between 2013-14 to 2022-23, 24.82 crore Indians moved out of poverty. Uttar Pradesh saw the largest decline of 3.43 crore people moving out of poverty in last five years.
Last but not the least, Ram Mandir will not only boost religious tourism and led to economic growth but will also have great cultural, religious and social implications. First and foremost, it’s not just another Mandir. It symbolises the unwavering faith, devotion, patience and perseverance of 140 crore people for over 550 years! 22nd January will not just be celebrated for Pran-Pratishtha but will also commemorate the triumph of our civilizational values over 500 years of slavery.
The post The Economics Of Ram Mandir! appeared first on The Jaipur Dialogues.
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This made me research on the economic aspect of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. First of all, Ram Mandir is getting inaugurated recently but the developmental work never stopped. As a matter of fact, U.P had only 12 medical colleges from 1949-2016. However, it now has 32 new medical hospitals in last four years. Recently also Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated as many as 46 development projects worth Rs 15,700 Crore in U.P. These projects include setting up of refineries, waste disposal plants, new highways, rail lines and greenfield township etc.
The township will span across an area of 1407 acres across Lucknow-Gorakhpur Highway. It not only contains provisions for Mutts, Ashrams, guest houses, hotels and commercial complexes but will also meet the future aspirations of Ayodhya. Then local craftsman and artisans will be employed in the construction of public spaces. Such projects will transform the city into a regional growth center, as a result of improved connectivity and will boost economic activity throughout the region.
Now, considering that the temple is being constructed after a wait of 550 years. Devotees especially Hindus from all corners of the world will be visiting the city in huge numbers. Ayodhya is expected to receive around 3-5 Lakh visitors per day after the inauguration of the temple. Considering this, a redevelopment master plan worth Rs 83,000 crore has been initiated and is expected to be completed by 2031.
This plan aims to develop an area of 133 sq. km. as opposed to just the core city area of 31.5 sq. km. It envisions a city of 21st century which has all the modern amenities to meet the needs of the residents as well as of tourists. The plan aims to develop Ayodhya in such a manner that it embraces modernity while preserving its culture and heritage. Already 37 state and national agencies are working together to achieve this vision. The public works department of the UP government has taken on 34 projects worth Rs 7,500 crore, in addition to the Rs 10,000 crore projects that NHAI is currently working on. The infrastructure will be developed under eight themes like- Modern Ayodhya, Aesthetic Ayodhya, cultural Ayodhya and healthy Ayodhya etc.
Economic Impact in Short-Run and Long Run-
- Hospitality Sector– The state government has already received around 16 applications for hotel development. Though they built 40 new hotels but the demand is so high that the hotel prices as on 14th January range from Rs.1500 to as high as Rs 73000 per night. Similarly, Ayodhya Tent City, which sells air-conditioned tents, is fully booked for 22nd January. Each tent was priced at Rs. 30,000 per night. The staff expects full occupancy for few weeks after the Pran-Pratishtha. The stock prices of hotels such as Apollo and Praveg skyrocketed by 32% and 47% respectively in just 2 days. Hotel giants like Taj, Radisson and ITC are flocking to Ayodhya and have plans to open new properties there. While OYO plans to add 50 new properties consisting of 25 small and medium hotels and 25 homestays in collaboration with Ayodhya development authority. Overall, the hospitality sector expects around 2 crore tourists annually in short run and around 4 crore annually by 2031.
- Tourism Sector– U.P is the most sought after state in the tourism industry globally. According to official data the number of tourists in U.P increased from 31.85 crore in 2022 to over 32 crore within 9 months of 2023. Since the completion of Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Kashi attracts the highest number of tourists followed by Prayagraj and Ayodhya. In 2021, 3.25 Lakh people visited Ayodhya. This increased to 2.39 crore in 2022. The Pran-Pratishtha of Ram Mandir will draw in 20–25 crore people to Ayodhya annually, surpassing Kashi.
- Retail Sector– Ahead of the “Pran-Pratishtha”, FMCG companies and food chains are lining up expecting an 8-10-fold increase in tourism. Companies like McDonalds, Bisleri and Parle are setting up new units to heap rich dividends.
- National and international retail brands, such as Zudio, Westside, and Pantaloons, are swarming towards Ayodhya. In November last year, the clothing retailer Cantabill opened its 500th outlet there. Kalyan Jewellers chose the holy city earlier this week to open its historic 250th store. Infact, Ayodhya got its first mall, six months back, namely “The Mall of Avadh”. This is the biggest and largest development in terms of retail sector. Many more retail brands like Allen Solly , Titan and Puma are opening their outlets, expecting Ayodhya to become a major tourism and religious center in coming years.
- Aviation Sector– Due to Ram Mandir and the inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya there is a huge demand in aviation sector. Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India are witnessing a four flight movement per day. They are expecting the scheduled flights to grow to 20-24. Around 100 chartered airplanes are expected on 22nd January. Moreover, with five new airports at Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot and Shravasti. Uttar Pradesh will lead in aviation sector with total number of airports reaching to 19.
- Real Estate– Brokers have observed that because of the Ram Mandir there has been a significant increase in the demand for plots. People from across the country especially senior citizens and NRI’s are showing interest in buying plot or flats. Infact immediately after the passing of the verdict of 2019 the property rates rose by 25-30 percent. According to research conducted by ANAROCK, there’s has been a significant increase in property rates not just around Ram Mandir but also on the outskirts of Ayodhya. The rates rose from Rs. 400-700 per sq. ft. in 2019 to Rs 1000-3000 per sq. ft. by October 2023. While the property rates within the city rose from Rs.1000-2000 per Sq. ft. in 2019 to Rs.4000-6000 per sq. ft. at present. Overall, the property rates in Ayodhya have increased 4-10 times as compared to five years ago. This trend will continue in future as well because of government’s infrastructural boost.
Final Thoughts-
Now having, stated the economic impact of Ram Mandir. I did like to state another point that the government has not just invested in infrastructure to attract investors for economic growth. It has also simultaneously invested in social infrastructure! There were only 12 medical colleges in U.P until 2016 but now it has 32 medical colleges. State run schools have increased from 1.3 crore in 2017 to 1.9 crore in 2022. The literacy rates are seeing an upward trend due to many government initiatives like “School Chalo Abhiyan” etc. Student enrolled in state-run schools has increased from 1.34 crore in 2017 to 1.92 crore in 2023. According to NITI Aayog, Multidimensional Poverty Index, between 2013-14 to 2022-23, 24.82 crore Indians moved out of poverty. Uttar Pradesh saw the largest decline of 3.43 crore people moving out of poverty in last five years.
Last but not the least, Ram Mandir will not only boost religious tourism and led to economic growth but will also have great cultural, religious and social implications. First and foremost, it’s not just another Mandir. It symbolises the unwavering faith, devotion, patience and perseverance of 140 crore people for over 550 years! 22nd January will not just be celebrated for Pran-Pratishtha but will also commemorate the triumph of our civilizational values over 500 years of slavery.
The post The Economics Of Ram Mandir! appeared first on The Jaipur Dialogues.
Continue reading...