UP to develop Lal Bahadur Shastri's Varanasi home as museum

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned the first instalment of Rs 35.74 lakh for restoration work at former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri`s home located in Ramnagar area of Varanasi, an official said on Friday.

The renovation at the Ramnagar home of Shastri is part of a larger plan to develop it as a museum, the official further informed.

According to the Department of Culture, the Uttar Pradesh Project Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has been made the nodal agency for the project.

The UPPCL had given an estimate of Rs 77.37 lakh, which was revised by the evaluation committee, and an approval for Rs 71.48 lakh was given.

The Director, Department of Culture, has been asked to ensure that the funds are spent as per rules. The work is likely to be completed by the year end.

Shastri was Prime Minister of India between 1964-1966 and was widely respected for his simple style of living.