Chennai

The ruling TVK government has cancelled Rs 246 cr worth of projects envisaged using temple funds by the previous DMK regime.

The move would also prevent the temples under the control of Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department from going bankrupt, an official said on Saturday.

Hitherto, the revenue generated by major ancient temples was used to fund government welfare schemes like conducting marriages for the underprivileged, constructing marriage halls and massive shopping complexes, while the temples have been struggling to get back the land or shops leased out, a source said.

Hindu organisations like the Hindu Munnani have been protesting against the use of temple funds for commercial purposes and also diverting funds for government welfare schemes.

After the TVK-led government assumed office in the state, the HR & CE department on June 19 cancelled the administrative approval accorded by the previous DMK regime to construct 29 marriage halls and 17 commercial complexes totalling Rs 246 crore by utilising the temple funds. These 46 projects, though announced, have not yet been initiated.

An official said that the funds will be used for the benefit of the temples and devotees.

On June 18, in his customary address to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar outlined the government’s vision and said the government will carry out structural reforms in the HR & CE department to improve the administration of the ancient temples.

Measures will be taken to fully audit all temple properties, lands and endowment revenues and to introduce transparent computerised accounts.

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"Administrative malpractices that prevailed in earlier times will be eliminated, and this government will ensure that all movable and immovable assets of the temples are used solely for their sacred purposes," he had said.