As many as 1,006 temples have been selected for renovation and consecration in the next financial year, Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam announced in the Budget on Monday.
An identical number of temples were renovated and consecrated in 2011-12.
The Annadhanam scheme, a brainchild of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, which is being implemented in 468 temples, will be extended to 50 more temples during 2012-13. The kitchens of temples where this scheme is implemented will be modernised to provide hygienic food to devotees.
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Besides, he said, the Chief Minister had ordered that the duration of annadhanam at the Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple, Srirangam, and Dandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani, would be virtually throughout the day — from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ongoing works
Referring to ongoing works, he said that the construction of a yatri niwas at Srirangam, estimated to cost Rs.25 crore, was in progress. A cable car would be provided at the Palani temple.
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Special initiative
“As another special initiative, the Chief Minister has ordered the conduct of spiritual and moral classes on all Saturdays in important temples to make our children imbibe the high moral and ethical values enshrined in our ancient literature.” The children would be provided with snacks during such classes and awards be distributed to those who excel.
The Minister announced that the Special Revenue Units and Revenue Courts would be further strengthened for the speedy retrieval of temple property and settling disputes with regard to temple lands.
Tamil development
In addition to the number of awards already instituted, two more awards — Kapilar Award and U.Ve.Sa Award — would be given to eminent Tamils scholars and Tamil Thaai Award presented to Tamil organisations rendering yeoman service for the development of Tamil.
The renovation of the Kamarajar Mandapam at Kanyakumari and Kamarajar Ninaivu Illam in Chennai will be taken up next financial year.