Bengaluru Boosts Grants for Private Temples and Mutts
Government Raises Financial Aid to Rs 5 Crore
The Bengaluru government has made a big announcement. They are increasing financial aid for private temples and religious mutts. The new limit is now Rs 5 crore, up from Rs 1 crore. This is a huge jump of up to 900%. The goal is to make funding more transparent and stop backdoor lobbying.
Why the Increase?
Officials from the Muzrai department say the old cap was too low. Temples and mutts had to lobby a lot to get grants. This caused many problems, including issues with audits. A senior official explained:
“We faced many audit questions. The CAG and AG offices pointed out lack of transparency. So, the government decided to increase the allocations.”
The government also said the grant limits had not been updated in 14 years. The increase will help with repair, renovation, and infrastructure development.
How Will the Funds Be Used?
The order lists 13 specific areas where private temples can use these funds. These include:
- Fixing the main temple area
- Repairing entrance gates
- Restoring pillars
- Building compound walls
- Setting up flagpoles
- Creating waiting areas for devotees
- Constructing wedding halls
- Building community dining halls
Mutts across the state can also get up to Rs 5 crore. These grants are for four specific categories:
- Repair and renovation
- Upgrading infrastructure like toilets and drinking water facilities
- Creating shade and parking for devotees
- Building dining halls
Strict Rules for Compliance
The government has set strict rules to ensure the funds are used properly. These include:
- Providing utilisation certificates
- Showing photographic proof of progress
- Regular audits
To prevent misuse, the government will release funds in stages. First, up to Rs 25 lakh will be given. More funds will be provided only after seeing the utilisation certificates.
More Funds for Government-Controlled Temples
The allocation for temples controlled by the Muzrai department has also been increased. These temples can now get up to Rs 2.5 crore directly from the department. For larger amounts, they will need government approval.
The order also gives the Muzrai department more autonomy. This includes the ability to buy land and create accommodation and infrastructure even outside Karnataka for the benefit of the state’s devotees.
Oversight by the Chief Minister’s Office
Muzrai minister R Ramalinga Reddy said: “We provide funds only for our own temples. The remaining funds for private temples and mutts are generally sponsored by the Chief Minister from his discretionary fund.” He also said the entire process is overseen by the Chief Minister’s Office.
