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The Trust in Temples
The Trust in Temples
Author: Stephen David
Publication: India Today
Date: December 15, 2003
The S.M. Krishna Government has
stirred up another temple controversy. Its proposal to take over management
of all private and trust-managed temples have raised hackles. Says Sri
Vishveshwara Theertha of Udupi Pejawar math: "This would only give scope
for corruption." Others are equally upset. Hindu Dharmika Samsthe Hitharakshna
Samiti spokesman G.R. Suresh accuses the Government of diverting Rs 69
crore collected from nearly two lakh temples: only Rs 13.75 crore were
given for temple maintenance as against the madarsa-Haj subsidy of Rs 35
crore.
Another critic of the proposal is
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living. "The Government, which failed
to manage the PSUs, is now eyeing the temples. This dual stand is unacceptable,"
he says. The Udupi seer draws a different parallel. "When mosques and churches
are enjoying total freedom, why does the Government need to interfere in
the administration of temples?" he asks. If necessary, it can float an
autonomous body to monitor temples, the Swami suggests.
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