HR&CE Minister Ramesh on Tuesday said the Tamil Nadu government is holding consultations on regulating VIP darshan in temples, stressing that long-standing temple practices cannot be overhauled overnight.
Speaking to reporters in Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, the minister said the state budget will prioritise improving basic amenities for devotees. He added that historically significant temples, dilapidated structures and temples without regular worship would be identified for renovation and restoration work.
He said the eastern gopuram works at the Srirangam temple would be completed at the earliest. On the proposed revision of service charges at the Tiruchendur temple, he clarified that only a public feedback notice had been issued, and alleged that misinformation was being spread to provoke people.
The minister said any new fee structure would be decided based on public opinion. He also noted that in the case of a fake website created under the name “Yatri Nivas” at Srirangam, persons from a northern state have been arrested, and the government is considering launching an official website for “Yatri Nivas” bookings.
