source: The Hindu, January 11, 2006

200 low-income temples to be given grant for their upkeep and conducting of religious services 200 low-income temples to be given grant for their upkeep and conducting of religious services

BHADRACHALAM: Minister for Panchayati Raj and Endowments J. C. Diwakar Reddy said here on Tuesday that 26 Veda Pathasalas would be set up by the Government in the State.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that one such school would be established in Bhadrachalam, the abode of Lord Rama. He said that the Endowments Department would extend support to uphold the Vedic traditions and culture.

He said that the department had already taken stock of the plight of the archakas in the temples with low income. Efforts were being made to ensure a better deal for them. Some 200 temples were identified and they would all be given a minimum monthly grant thus supporting their upkeep and religious services.

The Minister said that the endowment lands would be protected by all means. The encroachments in the temple lands would be reviewed soon.

The value of the endowment lands in certain urban pockets shot up considerably. The urban development authorities of the respective cities would be entrusted with the task of their protection.

The Minister said that the development of the Bhadrachalam temple would be given due importance. The annual income of the temple, which touched Rs. 7 crores last year, was expected to cross Rs. 9 crores this year.

Stone laid

He laid the foundation stone for the administrative block of the temple estimated to cost Rs. 1 crore. The department would bear half the cost while the remaining would be mobilised from donors. Accompanied by the officials and elected representatives from the district, he took part in the Uttara Dwara Darshanam in the temple today.