News Flash
14 October
Reported: Vishal Mayur
Disbursement of ₹4.88 lakh in scholarships and ₹4 lakh in death benefits
Bengaluru: program for the disbursement of scholarships to the children of priests and temple employees serving in Category 'C' temples was launched by the Minister of Transport and Muzrai, Shri Ramalinga Reddy, at Sri Rameshwara Kalyana Mantapa, Bengaluru. The event also marked the distribution of death benefits and annual allowances directly to the priests’ accounts.
The minister distributed ₹4,88,000 in scholarships to 33 students from Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts. Additionally, ₹4 lakh in death benefits were given to two families of deceased temple employees, with each family receiving ₹2 lakh. Scholarships worth ₹20,09,000 were approved for 158 students from seven districts across the state, to be distributed through their respective District Collectors.
During the event, it was announced that a proposal to amend the act for increasing the General Collection Fund to aid the welfare of Category 'C' temple priests is awaiting the Governor’s approval. The bill, previously passed by the state legislature, aims to allocate more funds for various
welfare schemes, including:
- Annual grants of ₹5 lakh to 1,500 Category 'C' temples
- Scholarships for 3,000 children of temple priests and employees
- Financial aid for housing and insurance premium payments for priests
Representatives from various priest associations emphasized the need for the Governor's swift approval to expedite the welfare measures. They expressed hope for the bill’s success and concern over the delays, which have affected thousands of temple priests and employees.
Shri Ramalinga Reddy assured the attendees that the government is committed to addressing the needs of temple employees.