It has been reported that the then President Rafsanjani, on his visit to Lucknow, some year back donated Rs. 1 crore for the renovation and maintenance of the Bara Imambara which is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. However, no one knows whether this donation was paid to the Imambara Management Committee or the ASI. In any case, there has been no repair, far less any renovation and no improvement in its maintenance. For lack of funds, the ASI is not in a position to do much for its upkeep. May I request you to look into the matter and let me know the facts of the case?

Ministry of External Affairs, GOl's Reply

Our enquiries indicate that no donation has been made by Iran for the renovation or maintenance of this monument.   Source: IS(IPA)'s letter No. 2636/|S(IPA)/98 DT. 11.12.1998)