Museum of Temples in Ayodhya

• 26 Jun 2024

Why in News?

Recently, The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved a proposal from Tata Sons to build a ‘Museum of Temples’ in Ayodhya, with an estimated cost of ₹750 crore.

Key Points

• According to the State Tourism Minister Jaivir Singh, the company will manage the project using its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.
  • The tourism department would lease the company land for this international-level museum for 90 years, charging a token fee of Rs 1.
  • The company will invest an additional ₹100 crore in carrying out more development projects in the temple town.
• The CM Tourism Fellowship Programme has also received approval from the cabinet.
  • Initially, 25 researchers will be chosen, each receiving ₹40,000, with ₹30,000 for payment and ₹10,000 for field trips, along with tablets. They will support tourism development and attract investments in the sector.
• Other proposals approved during the cabinet meeting included:
  • The launch of helicopter services in Lucknow, Prayagraj and Kapilvastu under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by building helipads.
  • Develop dormant heritage buildings into tourist spots such as Kothi Roshan Dulha in Lucknow, Barsana Jal Mahal in Mathura and Shukla Talab (pond) in Kanpur.
  • The proposal aims to substitute the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 as the new penal code of the nation. Additionally, the Bharatita Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 will be put into effect.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the idea that companies should assess and take responsibility for their effects on the environment and on social welfare, and to promote positive social and environmental change.
• The four main types of corporate social responsibility are:
  • Environmental Responsibility
  • Ethical Responsibility
  • Philanthropic Responsibility
  • Economic Responsibility
• The CSR provisions within Companies Act, 2013 is applicable to companies with an annual turnover of 1,000 crore and more, or a net worth of Rs. 500 crore and more, or a net profit of Rs. 5 crore and more.
  • The Act requires companies to set up a CSR committee which shall recommend a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy to the Board of Directors and also monitor the same from time to time.