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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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