(a) whether the Government is aware of the dilapidated conditions of `Kirti Mandir` and Kasturba Gandhi`s house
in Porbandar;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to restore the said heritage monuments;
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated for the purpose; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF CULTURE (SMT. CHANDRESH KUMARI KATOCH)
(a) No, Madam. As per information received from the State Government of Gujarat, Kasturba Gandhi’s house has
been declared as a State protected monument since 1956. The Directorate of Gujarat State-Archaeology maintains
this house on a regular basis and has preserved its original condition.
(b) to (d) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(e) Kirti Mandir is close to the birth place of Gandhiji and was developed by a well known businessman,
late Sh. Nanji Kalidas Mehta from his own funds and was inaugurated in 1950. The building has been handed over to
the Government of Gujarat which has assigned its administration to a Committee headed by the Minister-Incharge of
the District. The building has been constructed in a modern way, is presently in a good condition and does not
require any repair work. Since 2003-04 onwards, the Directorate of Archaeology has spent a sum of Rs. 2,92,400
on the maintenance of the house.