The government is mulling a proposal to pay Rs. 5,000 per month salary each to archakas and employees discharging duties in the sanctum sanctorum of temples coming under 6C category (the ones with meagre income) in the State, according to Endowments Minister Paidi Manikyala Rao.
Speaking to The Hindu , the Minister said that the government noticed that the 6C temples were unable to pay salaries of archakas and employees. As the finances of such temples were not healthy, it has been decided that the Endowments Department should shoulder the burden. “The government, however, is yet to decide whether or not the Rs. 5,000 will be given in addition to the existing salary. A budget of Rs. 168 crore is needed to meet the commitment,” he said.
With the properties of many shrines across the State in dispute, the administrations concerned were unable to take possession of those assets owing to court cases. The inefficiency of standing counsels or their tacit understanding with the litigants was found to be main reasons behind the delay in the disposal of the pending cases.
“Given the situation, the government has decided to constitute a committee comprising retired High Court judges and legal secretaries which will examine all the cases that has been pending in court for more than five years,” the Minister said, adding that the panel would also suggest ways to sort out the legal issues. The committee, however, will be an advisory body only, without any powers.
Godavari Pushkarams
Referring to the Godavari Pushkarams, Mr. Rao said that a team would go to New Delhi shortly seeking release of the Central funds. The Centre was sought to fund Rs.600 crore for the programme. All endowments temples in twin Godavari districts would be spruced up for the event. As many as 256 bathing ghats would be developed, including the 136 existing ones, and measures would be taken to restore 327 ancient temples, he added.
A budget of Rs. 168 crore is needed to provide salaries to
the archakas,
says Endowments Minister
