Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission expert committee to study POP : Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar.

Minister of Cultural Affairs Advocate Ashish Shelar

Mumbai – An expert committee of the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission will study the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) in Lord Ganesha idols to provide clarity on the matter. The government stands firmly with the idol makers and will present its position in court on March 20^th . State Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar assured that the government will provide experienced lawyers for this purpose.

Shelar made this statement while addressing a meeting of idol makers organized by various state organizations at Nare Park in Parel on March 12^th to protest the ban on POP idols. Also present at the event were Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare and office bearers of idol makers’ organizations from across the state.

To address the confusion surrounding the use of Plaster of Paris (POP), Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar had written to the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission requesting the formation of an expert committee to conduct a comprehensive study on the matter. In response, the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, has informed the government that an expert committee will be appointed, and a detailed report will be submitted.

Referring to the conspiracy against Hindu festivals in recent years, Ashish Shelar asserted that this plot will be thwarted. He also criticized the Mumbai Municipal Corporation for its stance against idol makers over the past few years.