The Haryana government has decided to commemorate two centuries of the foundation of Shri Mata Mansa Devi temple in a befitting manner.
A series of cultural and religious functions will be organised every month in the run-up to the occasion.
These and other decisions regarding the temple were taken at the 16th meeting of Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Panchkula today as per an official release.
On the board's proposal to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the celebrations on the occasion of Navratri Mela, Khattar asked officers to send a request to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) at the earliest.
Besides, the Centre would also be urged to issue a postage stamp to commemorate the celebrations, said the release.
Khattar said Sanskrit Mahavidyalayas in the state would be affiliated with the Sanskrit University proposed to be set up in Mundari village of Kaithal district. He also directed the Chief Secretary to accelerate the process of getting the Gurukuls affiliated with Haryana School Education Board.
To maintain cleanliness on the shrine premises, especially during the mela, Khattar directed a study on the technical feasibility of covering a nullah close to the main entry of the temple. Besides, proper sanitation and cleanliness should be maintained at the complex, he added.
While reviewing the progress of the solar energy project being set up at the board office, the Chief Minister said his government was promoting solar energy generation in a big way.
"We have to increase solar power generation both at SMMDSB Panchkula and at Shri Kali Mata Temple, Kalka," he said.
Khattar also approved a proposal to hike the normal hawan charges from Rs 1,001 to Rs 2,100 at the shrine.
He approved another proposal to construct a toilet block behind the 'yagyashala' at a cost of Rs 5.5 lakh.
The Chief Minister approved yet another proposal to give the main inside dome of the temple a new look.
A five-kg gold 'chatra' will be installed inside the dome. The remaining gold available would be used to purchase gold bonds from State Bank of India which would bring the board a return of 2.25 per cent.
He also approved a proposal to construct an old age home behind Luxmi Bhawan at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore.
It was decided that the head priest would be present during the morning and evening prayers and a uniform dress code would be applicable to all priests.
The board also approved construction of a shed on the temple of Lord Shiva in Kalka. It also approved a budget of more than Rs 18.87 crore for financial year 2016-17.
