Latest news with #DepartmentofHinduReligiousInstitutionsandCharitableEndowments
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Fund Diversion: Temple committees demand crackdown on false claims
Mangaluru: In a bid to counter rising misinformation, members of temple management committees from Dakshina Kannada have urged the Karnataka government to initiate legal action against individuals alleging that temple hundi funds are being diverted for non-Hindu religious causes or to the state treasury. The demands were made during a consultation session hosted by the Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall on Friday. District in-charge and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who presided over the meet, described the campaign of falsehoods as dangerous and politically motivated. 'These claims are often broadcast on national television and are misleading the public. Temple committees must counter these narratives with facts,' he said. Rao also highlighted that tastik payments to certified priests had been increased from ₹24,000 to ₹72,000 under the Congress government. 'The system was introduced by my father, former CM Gundu Rao, and has been consistently strengthened,' he noted. MLCs Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D'Souza expressed concern over the misuse of temple spaces. Bhandary advocated for ID cards for B and C-grade committee members and visible notices at temples assuring donors that funds are not misappropriated. Cultural scholar Lakshmish Gabladka stressed the need to preserve temple-based traditions in coastal Karnataka while limiting political interference. He advocated development of temples belonging to Scheduled Castes and called for recognition of poojaris as legitimate Hindu leaders. Committee member Raghava H from Beltangady suggested reviving art forms such as Yakshagana and devotional music within temple precincts. Other speakers, including Dilraj Alva, Venkappa Gowda, and Balakrishna Gowda, recommended a fast-track mechanism for temple land disputes, funding parity, and expansion of tastik grants. The session was attended by several dignitaries including former minister Ramanath Rai, Cashew Development Board chairperson Mamatha Gatti, MUDA chairman Sadashiva Ullal, former MLC Harish Kumar, Kannada and Tulu Academy president Sadananda Mavanje, deputy commissioner Darshan H V, ZP CEO Vinayak Karbari Narvade, and ADC Dr Santosh Kumar. The programme began with a welcome by endowment department assistant commissioner Jayamma and an introduction by Bappanadu Temple officer Shwetha Pally.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Karnataka's Mangalya Bhagya scheme facilitates free mass wedding for 24 couples in Mysuru
Image used for representative purpose only MYSURU: Under the Mangalya Bhagya scheme, 24 couples tied the knot at a free mass wedding held at the Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud town of Mysuru district on Thursday. The event was part of the Karnataka government's initiative promoting simple weddings for economically disadvantaged families. P. Shivaraju, Additional deputy commissioner, who presided over the mass wedding, emphasised the importance of financial prudence during life's milestones. 'There is no need to take loans for weddings. Simple ceremonies can set an example for others and prevent families from falling into debt,' he said. Launched in 2020, Mangalya Bhagya is a flagship programme jointly organised by the District Administration and the Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments. It aims to support poor and middle-income families by covering wedding expenses, ensuring that financial constraints don't stand in the way of a new beginning, the ADC stated. Shivaraju expressed optimism about the growing impact of the initiative, stating, 'This year, 24 couples are beginning a new chapter without the burden of debt. We hope to see that number grow to at least 100 in the coming year.' Srikantha, President of the Nanjangud City Municipal Council , echoed this sentiment, commending the programme as a 'thoughtful and practical approach' to reducing unnecessary expenditure and supporting community welfare. 'Such events bring dignity and convenience to families who might otherwise struggle to afford wedding costs,' he added. The ceremony was also attended by Tahsildar Shivakumar Kasanur and Jagadeesh Kumar from Srikanteshwara Temple.
