In a new policy with regards to construction of memorials for national leaders, saints, freedom fighters and politicians, the state government has restricted the numbers to two per person.

In a new policy with regards to construction of memorials for national leaders, saints, freedom fighters and politicians, the state government has restricted the numbers to two per person. For erecting more than two memorials, the organisation which demands it would have to pay the land cost and other expenditure. Also, the two memorials should be built in different administrative areas, the policy said.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the policy on Friday. “The government will not help with finance for more than two memorials. The memorials should not be only in the form of idols or statues. Schools, colleges, hospitals, community halls, library, hostels can also be constructed to highlight works done by the national figures. Also social schemes can be launched instead of memorials. The memorial should be built within two and half years,” a release from the CMO said.

The decision will not affect the ongoing works of Dr Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mills, late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray’s memorial at mayor’s bungalow and Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in Arabian sea. But their second memorial cannot be erected in the same administrative area. The policy has come following controversy over the building of too many memorials and wastage of state funds.

The policy also said if the memorial is erected without permission from the urban development department, then the structure could be removed. The government can allow it only if the organisation in charge pays the fine. The maintenance of state-protected memorials would be taken care of by the tourism and cultural departments.