Uttar Pradesh spend Rs 12 crore in the past 20 years for providing security and upkeep of Babri Masjid, which was demolished in December 1992, and adjoining properties, Government said on Tuesday.
This was disclosed by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Lok Sabha. He was asked by Trinamool Congress MP Sultan Ahmed about the total amount spent on the maintenance and security at the site of demolished Babri Masjid.
“As per the information provided by the authorised person-cum-Commissioner, Faizabad Division, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, a total amount of Rs 12 crore has been spent during the period 1994-95 to 2014-15 for the protection and upkeep of acquired properties at Ayodhya,” he said.
Rijiju said the responsibility of maintaining law and order and making security arrangements at the “acquired area” rests with the state government of Uttar Pradesh as police and public order are state subjects as per the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
“Adequate security personnel of the central and state governments are deployed for the security of the site. CCTVs are also installed in adequate numbers,” he added.
On security review, he said a Standing Committee on security of Ram Janma Bhoomi-Babri Masjid complex constituted by Uttar Pradesh government holds meetings from time to time to review proper security arrangements and the latest meeting in this regard was held on March 11.
The Central government also held a meeting with the representatives of Uttar Pradesh government in June last year to review the security arrangements.
(An edited version appeared in Deccan Herald on Mar 18, 2015)
