Update

Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (EP)

Bengaluru, Jun 9: After facing strong opposition from Hindu religious leaders, minister of state for Hindu religious organisations, endowments and backward class welfare, Kota Srinivas Poojary in a press release has asked not to use the revenue from temples for other religions.

He further stated that the previous government in the state was approving the use of Tasthik funds (annual grants for temples) for the development of other religious places of worship. Kota has ordered the release of such funds for the development of Hindu religious organizations. He added that the required fund for the development of other religious places of worship will be approved. However, it would be the responsibility of the concerned department of the respective religion to identify the amount needed.

Tasthik is being released to more than 27,000 Hindu temples in the state. Rs 133 crore in funds are being distributed to them every year. Out of this amount, 764 places of worship of other religion are receiving the funds as well. The commissioner of Hindu religious organizations and endowment department in a statement stated that the release of funds to other religious places will be ceased henceforth following the orders of the minister.   

Earlier report

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jun 9: The state government has taken out an order to pay allowance to imams of 41 mosques and madrasas of Dakshina Kannada as Covid pandemic compensation. This amount will be paid from the funds of Hindu Religious Endowment department. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had opposed this move of the state government.

An appeal was submitted in this regard to Muzrai department minister Kota Srinivas Poojary by VHP. The appeal says, “VHP welcomes the decision of the government to provide compensation to the priests of temple who are affected by the Covid pandemic lockdown. However, VHP opposes the decision of the government to provide Covid pandemic relief to the imams of 41 mosques and madrasas of the district from the funds of Hindu Religious Endowment. The money received from Hindu temples and Daivasthanas should be utilized for Hindu community as well as Hindu temples only. It should not be used for mosques and madrasas. We condemn this decision of the state BJP government.”

Minister Poojary who received the appeal submitted by VHP leaders assured that the decision will be withdrawn.

Sharan Pumpwell, divisional secretary of VHP, Gopal Kuthar district president, Shivananda Mendon, district secretary, Manohar Suvarna, district vice president and Puneet Attavara, district convener were present.