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BANGALORE, INDIA, December 10, 2003: The S.M. Krishna Government’s proposal to take over management of all private and trust-managed temples have raised hackles. Says Sri Vishveshwara Theertha of Udupi Pejawar math: “This would only give scope for corruption.” Others are equally upset. Hindu Dharmika Samsthe Hitharakshna Samiti spokesman G.R. Suresh accuses the Government of diverting US$15 million collected from nearly 200,000 temples: only $3 million were given for temple maintenance as against the madarsa-Haj subsidy of $7.5 million (including providing funds for Muslims to pilgrimage to Mecca).



Another critic of the proposal is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living. “The Government, which failed to manage the PSUs (public sector companies, handling business such as textiles and telecommunications), is now eyeing the temples. This dual stand is unacceptable,” he says. The Udupi seer draws a different parallel. “When mosques and churches are enjoying total freedom, why does the government need to interfere in the administration of temples?” he asks. If necessary, it can float an autonomous body to monitor temples, the Swami suggests.

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