Residents doubt new budget promises after past inaction – Villagers in Rakhigarhi, Haryana, greeted the 2026 Union Budget plan to turn the Harappan site into a “vibrant, experiential cultural destination” with scepticism, noting that little work followed the similar 2020‑21 announcement and that they did not distribute sweets as they had five years earlier [1].
Local leader highlights minimal ASI work to date – Zila parishad member and former sarpanch Dinesh Sheoran said only a shed on mound 4, a 500‑square‑yard plot, and a painted boundary wall from 1996 have been erected by the Archaeological Survey of India [1].
State officials cite recent constructions and near‑complete museum – Deputy Director Narender of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums reported a hostel, guest house and cafeteria were built and inaugurated by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini last year, that civil work on a museum is “almost complete,” and that a ₹206 crore detailed project report aims for full completion by 2027 [1].
ASI confirms limited spending and no central funds – An official from ASI’s Chandigarh Circle said the agency has spent about ₹1 crore on the project and that the Central government has not allocated a separate budget for Rakhigarhi’s development [1].
Finance Minister’s budget expands heritage site programme – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2026 budget proposes developing 15 archaeological sites—including Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur and Leh Palace—using curated walkways, immersive storytelling and new interpretation centres [1].
Chief Minister announces ₹500 crore central grant and new knowledge centre – At the second State‑level Rakhigarhi Mahotsav, the Haryana Chief Minister said the Centre will allocate ₹500 crore to make Rakhigarhi a global landmark and inaugurated the Harappan Knowledge Centre on the occasion [1].