CM announces autonomy to temples in Karnataka

Karnataka  Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has proposed to withdraw government control over temples in the state, by giving autonomy to those that come under the Endowment Department.In his maiden budget speech Bommai said in the assembly that there was a long pending demand to do away with government control on temples. Necessary legal action will be taken to delegate development work for the temples.Bommai said the Tastik (compensation for land vested with the government) amount will be increased from Rs 48,000 to Rs 60,000 to help out the Archakaru, Agamikaru (priests) and employees of endowment temples. He also said the 'Integrated Temple Management System' software will be implemented to provide various services of the temple online.

The Chief Minister said a subsidy of Rs 5,000 per person will be provided by the government to 30,000 pilgrims undertaking 'Kaashi Yatre' from Karnataka.   Bommai, in his budget speech, also said the state government would provide assistance to Mutts and organisations providing contribution in the fields of education, health and social service

Karnataka has over 34,000 endowment temples. Of them, 175 are Class A temples, with an annual revenue of above Rs 25 lakh, 158 temples are Class B with revenue between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, while others are Class C with annual revenue of under Rs 5 lakh