HYDERABAD, February 20 2015 (Deccan Chronicle): HPI Note: It is significant that the new state of Telangana (separated off from Andhra Pradesh in 2014) is choosing to have the government continue to administrate Hindu temples, rather than handing them over to Hindus to manage in the same way Christians and Muslims manage their churches and mosques with no government control.
The Telangana government is gearing up to set up Trust Boards for major temples in the state. Trust boards, comprising nine or more members for various temples, are pending as Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is busy with development and welfare schemes. Sources said the CM has now decided to constitute the trust boards. Another reason for the delay is a court case, it is learnt.
Mr Rao has given a boost to temples in Telangana, especially the Sri Laxminarasimha Swamy temple in Yadagirigutta in Nalgonda district.Mr Rao had announced that he would turn Yadagirigutta into another Vatican city. In view of this, the Chief Minister has decided to constitute a separate Yadagirigutta Development Authority to be headed by him. He has roped in experts from various fields, including G. Kishan Rao. Besides earmarking US$161,000 or more funds to major temples for festivals, the CM has also instructed officials to ensure basic amenities to pilgrims at all temples. Temples are being spruced up for the ensuing Godavari Pushkaralu.
Andhra Pradesh has cash-rich temples, but there are not many such temples in Telangana.