Karnataka’s Charitable Endowments Department withdraws order to stop grants for temple restorations after facing flak from Hindus

(Credit – News9live)

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – Grants for the restoration of temples in the State were withheld by the ruling Congress Government, but after facing flak from Hindus, the Government is finally forced to rollback this hold. The Charitable Endowments Department under the State Government had withheld this grant at 3 levels. The Commissioner of Charitable Endowments Department had passed the circular to all the Collectors that ordered to stop the grant if the restoration work of the temples was yet to begin, or if 50% grant is approved, or even if the official approval has been given. The Hindu organisations then opposed this order.

Former Cabinet Minister of State and BJP leader Shashikala Jolle, while criticising the Charitable Endowments Department’s decision, said that temples hold a lot of importance in Indian culture. Grants were given for the restoration of temples while our Government was in power. The second installment could not be given after the implementation of the Election Code of Conduct. We are totally against withholding of grants. This does not suit the Congress Government and it should withdraw this order. Temples in the State must be restored. It is the Government’s job to give the grants we approved. This order should be withdrawn. She warned that if the Government fails to withdraw this order, a strong agitation would be launched against the Government.

Sharp rise in the income of the temples falling under the Charitable Endowments Department

Donations to temples falling under the Charitable Endowments Department have doubled. From 11th June 2022 to 15th July 2023, 58 temples have received online donations of ₹19 crore.

Editorial Viewpoint

Since the Congress Government came to power in Karnataka, it has been working against Hindus. Are the Hindus who elected Congress to power regretting this ?