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Himachal Pradesh Congress Government eyes funds from Hindu Temples for Govt schemes

Claims, ‘The Government no longer has any funds left for its free-money schemes’

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) – The Congress-led Government of Himachal Pradesh, facing financial difficulties due to its freebie distribution schemes, has now turned its attention to temples. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government has written to major temples, requesting financial support for 2 of its schemes. This move has been met with strong opposition from the BJP.

1. The Congress Government’s Department of Language and Culture sent a letter to temple trusts on 29thJanuary, urging temple committees to provide financial assistance for underprivileged children.

2. Following the Government’s appeal, District Magistrates also sent letters to temple trusts, stating that temples under Government control will support the ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray’ and ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha’ schemes.

3. In Himachal Pradesh, District administrations oversee 36 major Hindu temples, generating revenue worth crores of rupees. However, the Government insists that this was merely a request, leaving temple committees to decide whether to support these schemes or not.

Government-run freebie schemes

Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha’ scheme, financial assistance is provided for the education, health, and nutrition of children of widows, divorcees, destitute women, and disabled parents. Eligible children (below 18 years) receive Rs 1,000 per month.
Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray’ scheme, the Government has adopted 6,000 children, granting them the status of “State’s Children.”

BJP’s strong opposition

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, criticised the Congress Government, stating that it opposes Sanatan and Hindus while simultaneously seeking funds from temples to run its schemes. He also alleged that officials were being pressured to collect money from temples quickly and send to Government. Thakur urged the public to protest against this move.

Wealth of just two temples in Himachal Pradesh is as follows

Among the 36 Government-controlled temples, the richest temple is the Maa Chintpurni Temple in Una District with fixed deposits worth Rs 100 crore, over 1,098 kg of gold, 72,000 kg of silver. Similarly, the Shaktipeeth Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur has, Rs 11 crore in cash reserves, fixed deposits exceeding Rs 58 crore, 1,080 kg of gold, over 72,000 kg of silver. Several other Shaktipeeths in the State also hold assets worth billions of rupees.

Editorial Perspectives

  • If the Congress Government needs money, why hasn’t it asked for funds from mosques, churches, or other religious and social institutions of non-Hindus ?
  • Hindus across the country should hold the Congress Government accountable, because this is the same Government that came to power by promising these free-money schemes. Why does Congress feel no shame in mocking and insulting Hindu Dharma on one hand while begging for alms from Hindu temples on the other ?

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