50 pc grant for Hinglaj Devi pilgrims

Indore, May 8 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Government will provide 50 per cent grant to pilgrims from the state undertaking visit to Hinglaj Devi in Pakistan.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made the announcement on the occasion of Parshuram Jayanti today, at the birthplace of Lord Parshuram at Janapav near Mhow.

He announced that a state holiday would be observed on 'Parshuram Jayanti' from next year.

Mr Chouhan said a panchayat of priests would be convened soon in order to resolve their problems.

''Funds would not be an impediment in the development of Lord Parshuram's birthplace. An amount of Rs 11 crore would be spent on the construction of a Parshuram temple, yagyashala, gaushala and museum,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said the government had planned to develop all cultural spots in the state. These would include developing Narmada Parikrama route and 'Ram van gaman' route.

Criticising those describing development of cultural heritages as communalism, he said basic facilities would be developed at places of belief and reverence.

He said the government had passed the Bill envisaging tough action against those involved in forcible conversion and cow slaughter and sent it to the Centre urging early approval for the same.

State minister Anoop Mishra, Narottam Mishra, Lakshmikant Sharma, Kailash Vijaywargiya, state BJP President Narendra Singh Tomar and former Chief Minister Kailash Vijaywargiya were present.

UNI AA-PS SV HT1924