New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday accorded approval for the establishment of Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS) at Dahung in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh as an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Culture.

The cost of the project is Rs.9 crore with a recurring annual cost of Rs.124.86 lakh per annum.

The West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh where CIHCS is proposed to be established is traditionally Buddhist. This will not only fill the vacuum that exists in the field of education, especially Buddhism, but will also provide cultural moorings to the youth of this region and foster national integration.

"It will also inculcate awareness of the ecological balance and preservation of natural resources. It will teach community arts and crafts for self-sufficiency and sustainable development and preservation of ethnic identity within the framework of national integration," an official press release said.