Date:05/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050559950600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Rs.157 crore allotted for renovation of temples

Special Correspondent

Tiruvarur: The Government has allotted Rs.157 crore for taking up renovation of temples in the State in the last two years, said K.R. Periakaruppan, HR and CE Minister at Tiruvarur on Sunday.

Participating in the car festival of Sri Thyagarajaswamy Temple, he told presspersons that this was much higher than the Rs.147 crore allotted by the previous government for renovating temples over a period of five years.

“In two years, we spent Rs.157 crore for renovating temples. This showed the commitment of the Government in up-keeping temples and countered the allegation that temples will be closed when the DMK came to power.” Nearly 960 temple cars were repaired and maintained using Rs. 3 crore allotted by the Government. There were 27 golden cars in the State. After DMK came to power eight new golden cars were made and orders have been placed for making 14 more golden cars.

Under the 12th Finance Commission Fund, a sum of Rs.9.87 crore has been allotted for renovating 48 ‘Padal petra sthalams.’ Sapthavidangasthalams have been improved using tourism fund.