HPI
SRIKAKULAM, INDIA, May 30, 2003: The state government has issued notices canceling the deeds of leaseholders of temple lands. Notices were served to beneficiaries who had lease agreements with Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Amadalavalasa on Thursday. The decision was taken after the government found that the revenue earned through such lease deeds was minimal. It was found that some temples charge as little as US$.63 per acre per year and most of these lands were being leased by political leaders and the rich. It was also found that though the beneficiaries were reaping rich harvests, they were avoiding payment of lease money to the temple on the pretext of drought and crop failures. The government identified about 11,000 acres belonging to various temples that were given on lease and put them under the jurisdiction of the Orissa government. Apart from the open lands, buildings worth several million dollars were also given on lease. All the beneficiaries in the district were served with cancellation notices, an endowment official said. The government evaluated the lands belonging to Arasavalli, Sri Kurmam, Srimukhalingam and Mallikarjuna Sway and found that the income generated from these temples was as little as $3,800, but the value is put at several million dollars. After cancellation of lease agreements the land would be evaluated anew and would be given on lease at a public auction. Sources said that petitions were filed in the court seeking stay orders.