(a) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take any steps for the beautification
of places of worship in tribal dominated areas in the country including in Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c)the details of the steps taken to provide basic facilities to the devotees visiting
the said places of worship?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)
(a) to(c) Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for preservation and maintenance
monuments/sites as of national importance declared under the provisions of Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. So far as places of worship is concerned there
is no such category specified under the Act. As on date there are 3,676 monuments/sites in the
country including 285 in Maharashtra which includes temples, churches, mosques, stupas, etc.
Apart from conservation, preservation, maintenance and development of environs of these monuments
/sites, Archaeological Survey of India provides basic amenities such as drinking water, toilet
blocks, facilities for physically challenged, pathways, cultural notice boards/signage, vehicle
parking, etc. as per the needs and availability of resources.