Patna, Dec. 17: The state cabinet today gave its nod to the Nalanda Heritage Tourism Scheme for the development of infrastructure and facilities for tourists visiting the ancient university town.

'In the light of recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission and the Union tourism ministry's nod to develop the Nalanda Heritage Zone, the cabinet today sanctioned Rs 22 crore for the development of infrastructure facilities in Nalanda,' B. Pradhan, principal secretary, cabinet secretariat, said.

The state government had sought Rs 50 crore for heritage development in Nalanda that would involve Buddhist institutions and establish linkages with other prominent locations lying along the Buddhist trail in Bihar. However, the 13th Finance Commission approved Rs 22 crore for the purpose.

The cabinet decision was taken keeping in mind the lakhs of foreign and domestic tourists who visit Nalanda every year. The need for development of infrastructure and facilities for the tourists was, therefore, perceived as being the need of the hour.

The decision comes amid reports that Nalanda's candidature for Unesco World Heritage Site status could be further delayed. Sources in the central government said the Advisory Committee on World Heritage Sites, which advises the ministry and the Archaeological Survey of India on preparing dossiers on potential sites, is in limbo since its term ended on September 30.

This is a critical time because dossiers for sites to be enlisted in Unesco's 2016 list have to be sent by February.

The dossiers being considered are on four potential sites: the ancient Nalanda University, the city of Ahmedabad, Kanchenjunga and the Rann of Kutch.

Under Bihar's Nalanda Heritage Tourism Scheme, various activities would be undertaken for the development of a 'cultural village' near the Hiuen Tsang memorial located in the ancient town.

The cultural village will have a tourist facilitation centre, which will have, among other facilities, a resort block and visitor centre.

The scheme entails the development of Pushkarni pond, situated behind the Hiuen Tsang memorial, around which a hotel and yoga spa would be built. Besides, roads would be constructed around the pond, ghats would be developed and work would start on landscaping, installation of benches and solar lights, a boating facility and toilets.

Other decisions: The cabinet approved Rs 1,150 crore for opening 1,000 higher secondary schools in panchayats which do not have secondary schools at present. Seven acres of land would be transferred to the science and technology department for setting up a polytechnic college in Sheikhpura district. Also, the cabinet cleared a proposal for a bonus of Rs 5 per quintal to sugarcane farmers for the 2014-15 crushing season.