Demand to amend MP Fund Rules for conservation of protected ancient temples

Dharamshala, August 6, 2024: Rajya Sabha MP, Indu Goswami, has called for an amendment to the rules governing the release of funds from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to facilitate the conservation and maintenance of protected ancient temples managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Speaking under special mention in Rajya Sabha  today, Goswami highlighted the current limitations, stating that funds from the MP fund cannot be utilized for the conservation and maintenance of 1,076 protected ancient temples overseen by ASI. She emphasized that many temples in Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, including her home area's historical Shiva temple in Baijnath, built in the Nagar style, are significant centers of faith for Shiva devotees worldwide.

Goswami pointed out that the Shiva temple in Baijnath attracts lakhs of devotees throughout the year. She argued that if the MP fund rules are amended, MPs would be allowed to allocate funds for the conservation and maintenance of such temples, thus preserving these important cultural and religious sites.

She noted that, under the current MPLADS rules, funds can be allocated for the conservation and protection of heritage and archaeological monuments and buildings, but there is no specific provision for releasing funds for the conservation and maintenance of ancient temples preserved by the ASI.

Goswami further mentioned that there are 3,679 ASI sites across India, out of which 1,076 temples have been preserved as national heritage sites by the Archaeological Department of India. She urged the government to amend the rules to allow MPs to contribute to the upkeep of these historically and culturally significant temples, ensuring their preservation for future generations.