Government will extend necessary support for training priests of rural temples

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Bengaluru : Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar appealed to temple priests to support the Government which had fulfilled its promises and taken unprecedented steps for the welfare of temples and priests.

Addressing the state-level convention organised by the Karnataka State Muzrai Temple Priests’ Association and Employees’ Association in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the government had earned the trust of priests by implementing measures that previous Governments had not undertaken.

Calling on priests to support the government, he said they should “protect the government that protects your homes and temples” and help ensure its return to power, as people regard the words of priests with faith.

Questioning the political opponents, Shivakumar asked whether those “who have taken religion on contract” had brought any positive change in the lives of temple priests. He said Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister Ramalinga Reddy and himself, were also Hindus and accused some parties of using religion for political gain.

Speaking on the welfare of temple priests, he said the government was ready to extend necessary support for training priests serving in nearly 34,000 rural temples. He suggested that priests’ associations and mutts jointly conduct three-month training programmes to impart temple rituals and traditions.

Responding to a demand raised at the convention, Shivakumar said he was prepared to discuss assigning the Muzrai portfolio to Minister Ramalinga Reddy, while noting that the minister was currently handling the challenging Irrigation Department. He said the issue would be discussed with the minister.

Private employment
exchange system to create more employment opportunities
Highlighting the Government’s achievements, Shivakumar said it had fulfilled its election promises through the implementation of the five guarantee schemes, including Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, and Anna Bhagya. He also announced that the Government was moving towards introducing a private employment exchange system to create more employment opportunities for youth.

CCTV cameras near Hundis
He said the government had decided to install CCTV cameras near hundis in major temples to ensure transparency in handling temple donations and prevent allegations against priests.

Stating that religion was a personal matter, Shivakumar said priests served all devotees without discrimination and played a vital role in preserving traditions. Praising Ramalinga Reddy’s work in the Muzrai Department, he said the minister had earned the confidence of temple priests through his initiatives.

He concluded by assuring the gathering that the Government would continue to work for the welfare of priests and the development of temples across Karnataka.