P.T. Parameshwar Naik, Minister for Muzrai, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, said that all temples coming under the Hindu Religious Endowment Department would be categorised into ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ categories based on their revenue generation.
“Under Muzrai, there are over 34,000 temples. Those generating more revenue will be under ‘A’, those generating little less revenue will be under ‘B’, and temples not generating any revenue would be under ‘C’. The idea is to make use of a portion of the revenue generated in ‘A’ and ‘B’ categories for rejuvenation of ‘C’ category temples,” he said.
Addressing presspersons during his maiden visit to Ballari district headquarters after assuming charge as Minister here on Tuesday, Mr. Naik said he had asked the department secretary to prepare a list category-wise at the earliest so that the decision could be given effect.
To a question, he made it clear that priority would be accorded to providing basic amenities and infrastructure facilities at the ‘A’ and ‘B’ category temples. According to him, an action plan for ₹20 crore has been prepared for development infrastructure facilities and improving basic amenities at Savadatti, a major pilgrim centre. Similarly, there is a need to improve infrastructure facilities in ‘C’ category temples, for which funds from high revenue generating temples could be used,” he said.
He also clarified that revenue from Hindu temples cannot and will not be allotted to religious institutions of other religions.
When his attention was drawn to complaints that people from Karnataka were not able to get accommodation in Karnataka Bhavan in Tirupati, Mr. Naik said that he had proposed for renovation of the Karnataka Bhavan, for which the Chief Minister had assured to allocate funds in the coming budget and that strict instructions would be issued to allot rooms to people from the State only.
Mr. Naik said that it had been proposed to set up 16 skill development centres, eight each in north and south Karnataka and the process was under way.
“The idea is to provide the required skill development training to educated youths. Even the Chief Minister was very keen on the issue and had assured all support. The centres would start functioning soon,” he added.
