
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: UDF government's maiden budget has allocated Rs 5 crores for the Sivagiri Pilgrimage Platinum Jubilee Memorial Convention Center being built under the Sivagiri Sree Narayana Dharma Sangh Trust. Chief Minister V D Satheesan said in his budget speech that the construction funding is being provided considering the historical importance, independent humanity and social commitment of the mutt. Along with this, the state government has allocated 1 crore in the budget for the establishment of a statue and cultural center for Sree Narayana Guru in Delhi.
Sivagiri Mutt had earlier requested Chief Minister V D Satheesan to provide six acres of land to expand infrastructure facilities for the lakhs of devotees visiting Sivagiri for pilgrimage. The Mutt had submitted various proposals, including this request, to the chief minister when he visited Sivagiri as part of his first official visit after assuming office. The chief minister had assured that the demands would be seriously considered and steps would be taken.