Funds to be allocated for restoration of old inactive temples: Minister

Trichy: Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department minister S Ramesh on Tuesday said that the upcoming state budget will feature fund allocation for restoring the inactive but historically important temples in the state.He was addressing reporters after receiving petitions from residents of Thiruvanaikovil in Srirangam assembly constituency during a public grievance redressal camp held on Tuesday.“The focus will be on improving basic facilities in temples, providing amenities for devotees, carrying out renovation works, and restoring the inactive but historically important temples,” he said.Ramesh stated that renovation of the East Gopuram at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, which had slowed down, is now being expedited, “The renovation will complete soon and the East Gopuram will be opened to devotees soon.”The minister also denied rumours of entry fee hikes at major temples like Tiruchendur. “Only a notice on public consultation for new fee structures was issued,” he said.Ramesh added that measures are underway to regulate VIP darshan in prominent temples and that 80% of procedural improvements have already been implemented at Tiruchendur based on public feedback.Regarding the fake Srirangam Yatri Nivas website, Ramesh said the government is planning an official online booking portal.

Earlier, the majority of complaints received concerned house site pattas, drinking water supply, drainage facilities, medical assistance, housing, and elderly pensions.Ramesh announced that similar camps would be organised in other parts of Srirangam constituency, including Manachanallur and Anathanallur unions.