The Hindu : Changes in A.P. temple laws mooted

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 13, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Changes in A.P. temple laws mooted

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD FEB. 12. In a major policy shift proposed by the Government, more than 30,000 small temples are likely to be exempted from payment of endowment administration fund (EAF).

On the other hand, the contribution payable by temples towards the Common Good Fund (CGF) may be revised from the present rate of 3 per cent of annual income to 5 per cent in respect of institutions with an annual income of Rs. 50,000 and above. In the case of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, it is proposed to increase the contribution from 5 to 7 per cent.

At present, every charitable or religious institution whose annual income is Rs. 5,000- Rs.50,000 are liable to pay 12 per cent towards EAF, those above Rs. 50,000 15 per cent and the TTD 7 per cent.

What the Government is reportedly contemplating now is total exemption of institutions with an annual income of up to Rs. 50,000 from EAF, collecting 9 per cent from those with income of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000, 12 per cent from those above this amount and reducing TTD's contribution to 5 per cent.

As a result there will be a reduction of Rs. 5.01 crores in collection.

Thus, the total number of assessable institutions which contribute to EAF will be reduced to a mere 3,420 while the remaining 30,155 would become free from payment. There will be no Executive Officer or Person-in-Management (PIM) for these 30,155 institutions.

The management of these temples will be entrusted to the founder-trustees, if any, under the supervision of the local Bhaktha Samajams or archakas.

However, officials of the Endowments Department will make quarterly inspections. Sources said the amount thus saved by temples could be utilised for rituals and payment of salary to archakas.

Sources said the contribution to CGF had been enhanced mainly due to commitments by way of sanctions made by CGF committee and inflow of several proposals. Besides, there are representations for enhancing the present grant of Rs. 30,000 for construction of Ramalayams.

The Government now plans to introduce a new scheme in place of the present Ramalayam scheme for construction of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temples in the weaker section and BC colonies at an estimated cost of Rs. 1 lakh or Rs. 1.50 lakhs with a contribution of 10 per cent by the sponsor.

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