A Parliamentary Standing panel has suggested the Government explore the possibility of permitting pujas/worship/certain religious activities at centrally protected monuments of religious significance, subject to the condition that such activities should not have any detrimental effect on conservation and preservation status of the heritage structure.
The panel which submitted its report in Rajya Sabha on Thursday also suggested a string of steps including adequate security staff at monuments and immediate filling of vacant posts at various levels in the Archeological Survey of India, assistance from the ISRO to locate the missing monuments as well as regular inspection by the officials to prevent encroachment at heritage buildings for their better conservation and protection measures.
On allowing religious activities, the panel said, “several historical monuments across the country hold immense religious significance to a large number of people and allowing pujas/worship/certain religious activities at such monuments can fulfill legitimate aspirations of the people.”