TAMIL DEVELOPMENT-CULTURE AND RELIGIOUS ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT

HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE

ENDOWMENTS ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

DEMAND NO.45 POLICY NOTE

Introduction: The proper maintenance and supervision of the

temple management and administration of their

endowments has been one of the primary

responsibilities of the State. Number of measures

have been undertaken prior to the year 1925 for an

efficient control and supervision of the administration

of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments .

By the Act 1 of 1925, the Government constituted

the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments

Board consisting of a President and two to four

Commissioners, as nominated by the Government to

function as a statutory body. Subsequently, Act 1 of

1925 was repealed by the Act 2 of 1927 which was

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followed by several modifications up to 1951.

In order to streamline the administration of the Hindu

Religious and Charitable Endowments Board, Thiru.

R.V. Krishna Iyer was appointed as the Special Officer

in the year 1940. The Special Officer recommended

that the Government might administer the Hindu

Religious and Charitable Endowments instead of the

Board. The non-official committee appointed in the

year 1942 under the Chairmanship of Thiru P.

Venkataramana Rao Naidu, a Retired Judge of the

High Court of Judicature, Madras, recommended,

among other things that it would be advantageous to

convert Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments

Board into a Government Administration. Accepting

this recommendation, the Hindu Religious and

Charitable Endowments Act,1951 was enacted

provincialising the administration of the Hindu

Religious Institutions. Comprehensive amendments

were made to this Act and Tamilnadu Hindu Religious

and Charitable Endowments Act XXII of 1959 came

into force with effect from the 1st January 1960.

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ii) With a view to manage the administration of

Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments in an

excellent manner, it was considered during 1991, that

Religious and Spiritual Leaders were to be inducted

for the proper maintenance and administration of the

Hindu and Jain Temples, the Charitable Endowments

and that their suggestions and guidance should be

obtained for the better administration of the Charitable

Endowments. Accordingly, many Amendments were

made to the Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Act, 22 of 1959.

iii) As a result of this, the Amendment Act,

1991 (Amendment Act 46/91) was enacted. As per

the amended Act, a two tier system (i.e.) Temple

Administration Board at the State level and District

Committees at the Districts level was established.

This Amendment Act came into force on 13-12-1991.

iv) The Government which came to power

during 1996, enacted the Amendment Act, of 1996

(Tamil Nadu Amendment Act 39/1996), disbanding

the Temple Administration Board and District

Committees and entrusted the administration of Hindu

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Religious Institutions with the Commissioner and the

Subordinate Officers back as it existed prior to the

Amendment Act, 1991 This Act is in force since

9-12-1996.

1. Number of Institutions:

The Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Administration Department supervises

the administrations of Hindu and Jain Religious

Institutions and Hindu Charitable Endowments in

Tamilnadu as detailed below:

1. Temples 36,363

2. Mutts 56

3. Temples attached to Mutts 57

4. Specific Endowments 1,721

5. Charitable Endowments 189

6. Jain Temples 17

Total Institutions

38,403

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2. Classification of Institutions: The Religious Institutions have been

classified into two categories viz., Non – Listed and

Listed Institutions on the basis of their annual income

as below:

Sl.

No

Classification Number of

Institutions

I. Non-Listed Institutions, Institutions with an annual income of less than Rs.10,000/-

34,415

II. Listed Institutions :

(i) with annual income of more than Rs.10,000/- but less than Rs.2.00 lakhs

(ii) with annual income of more than Rs.2.00 lakhs but less than Rs. 10.00 lakhs.

3,397

438

(iii) with annual income of the more than Rs. 10.00 lakhs.

153

Total

38,403

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3. Organisational set up: (A) The Head of the Department is the

Commissioner. He is responsible for the General

Administration and supervision of the activities of the

Department. He is assisted by the following officials in

the Head Quarters viz.,

1. One Officer on Special Duty (in the cadre of an I.A.S)

2. One Additional Commissioner.

3. One Joint Commissioner ( Head Quarters).

4. One Joint Commissioner ( Tiruppani).

5. Two Personal Assistants to Commissioner

in the cadre of Assistant Commissioner.

6. One Assistant Commissioner ( Legal).

7. One Assistant Commissioner ( Verification )

Head Quarters who is also acting as the

special officer for Annadhanam scheme

The Government have appointed a high level

committee to render suggestions for the development

of the temple lands and to augment the income from

them. An officer in the cadre of I.A.S. has been

appointed to organize the above committee works and

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to improve the income from temple lands. A special

officer in the cadre of a District Revenue officer is also

working to assist him. Besides this, four special

Thasildhars are also appointed to assist him. Apart

from this, another special thasildhar is also appointed

to investigate the lands belonging to Arulmigu

Sabanayagar Thirukkoil, Chidhambaram.

In 2002 the Government appointed a Advisory

Committee to regulate the Renovation works and to

speed up the performance of kumbabishegam in

Temples. An officer in the cadre of the Joint

Commissioner (Thiruppani) has also been appointed

to execute the suggestions of the committee and to

take proper action.

(B) At the Regional and Divisional levels there

are 10 Joint Commissioners and 22 Territorial

Assistant Commissioners. Besides, there are One

Assistant Commissioner for the Icon Centre at

Thiruvarur, 9 Assistant Commissioners ( Verification)

and One Deputy Commissioner ( Verification) and

629 Executive Officers-right from the cadre of Joint

Commissioner/Executive Officer to the Executive

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Officer Grade IV assisting to implement the

provisions of the Act and the Rules framed there

under. Besides this, two Personal Assistants in the

Cadre of Deputy Commissioner and Assistant

Commissioner are assisting the Joint

Commissioner/Executive Officer of Arulmigu

Dhandayudthapani swamy Temple, Palani.

(C) The Assistant Commissioners (Verification)

complemented by the Technical staff, appraise and

evaluate the jewels and other valuables belonging to

Religious Institutions.

(D) A Superintending Engineer and one

Executive Engineer with the required subordinates,

technical Officers and Staff are also assisting the

Commissioner in preparation of estimates and

supervision of Thiruppani and other construction

works of the Religious Institutions.

(E) A Senior Accounts Officer and an Assistant

Accounts Officer deputed from the Treasuries and

Accounts Service are in-charge of the Budget and

Accounts of the Department.

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(F) For Auditing the accounts of the Religious

Institutions, there is a Chief Audit Officer deputed

from the Finance Department of the Government in

the cadre of Deputy Secretary assisted by sufficient

subordinate Staff.

(G) In February 1996, women Assistant

Commissioners have been appointed by direct

recruitment through the Tamilnadu public service

commission for the first time.

In pursuance of the judgment of The

Honourable High court, Madras in W.P.21823/2001

dated 5.6.2002 and the policy decision taken by the

Government, Service Rules had been amended to

admit appointment of women as the executive

officers in temples. As per this amendment one

woman in the cadre of Assistant commissioner and

three women in the cadre of Deputy Commissioners

were appointed as Executive Officers in temples.

Further out of 25 women Executive Officers, recruited

by TamilNadu Public Service Commission, there are

23 persons working successfully at temples.

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(H) The entire Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowment Administration Department at the state

level is divided into 10 Regions, and 22 Divisions and

each under the jurisdiction of a Joint Commissioner

and Assistant Commissioner respectively, as detailed

below:

Sl. No (1)

Regions (2)

Sl. No (3)

Divisions covered (4)

1. Joint Commissioner, Chennai.

1. Assistant Commissioner, Chennai

2. Assistant Commissioner, Kancheepuram

3. Assistant Commissioner, Vellore

2. Joint Commissioner, Vellore.

4. Assistant Commissioner, Thiruvannamalai

5. Assistant Commissioner, Salem

3.

Joint Commissioner, Salem. 6. Assistant

Commissioner, Dharmapuri

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7. Assistant Commissioner, Coimbatore

4. Joint Commissioner, Coimbatore

8. Assistant Commissioner, Erode

9. Assistant Commissioner, Thanjavur

5. Joint Commissioner, Thanjavur.

10. Assistant Commissioner, Nagapattinam

11. Assistant Commissioner, Kumbakonam

12. Assistant Commissioner, Cuddalore

6. Joint Commissioner, Mayiladuthurai.

13. Assistant Commissioner, Villupuram

14. Assistant Commissioner, Thiruchirpalli

15. Assistant Commissioner, Ariyalur

7. Joint Commissioner, Thiruchirapalli.

16. Assistant Commissioner, Pudukottai

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8. Joint Commissioner, Madurai.

17. Assistant Commissioner, Madurai

9. Joint Commissioner, Sivagangai.

18. Assistant Commissioner, Paramakudi

19. Assistant Commissioner, Viruthunagar

20. Assistant Commissioner, Tirunelveli

21. Assistant Commissioner, Tuticorin

10 Joint Commissioner, Tirunelveli

22. Assistant Commissioner, Nagercoil

(I)Thus the Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Administration Department totally

consists of 2356 staff members under 52 categories

including the Commissioner.

4. Administration of Religious Institutions and Endowments:

Temples are grouped according to their

importance, income and properties owned.

Executive Officers have been appointed to temples in

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the categories of Joint Commissioner, Deputy

Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and

Executive Officers Grade – I to IV. The sanctioned

strength in each category is as follows:

Sl.No. Cadre Sanctioned

Strength (1) (2) (3) 1. Joint Commissioner/E.O 6

2. Deputy Commissioner/ E.O 14

3. Assistant Commissioner/E.O 27

4. Executive Officer Grade – I 66

5. Executive Officer Grade – II 112

6. Executive Officer Grade – III 250

7. Executive Officer Grade – IV 154

Total 629

5. Administration of Mutts: Mutts are being governed by

“Atheenakarthars”. In Tamilnadu at present there are

56 Mutts and 19 Specific Endowments attached to

them. In order to tone up and streamline the

Administration of Mutts and also to scrutinize and

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sanction their Budgets, a wing consisting of Regional

Audit Officer and other staff headed by Joint

Commissioner (Head Quarters) is functioning. An

Amendment has been made during 2003 to section

6(18). According to this Amendment, Samadhi,

Brindavanam and such like institutions are also

included as Religious institutions

6. Appointment of Trustees : (a) Trustees are appointed to the temples and

other Religious Institutions in accordance with the

provisions of the Act and are permitted to carry out the

administration. Out of them, some Religious

Institutions are administered by Hereditary Trustees

and some are administered by particular communities

on the basis of administrative schemes.

(b) Non-hereditary Trustees cannot be

appointed for 8633 institutions including kattalais

which are managed by the Hereditary Trustees and

Mutts managed by the Madathipathis and Institutions

where cases are pending regarding the

Administration. Besides these, there are 29,770

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temples for which Trustees can be appointed. The

details regarding the appointment of Trustees for

these temples are as follows:-

Sl. No.

Section of the Act

Total number of temples for which

non-hereditary Trustees could be

appointed

Number of

temples in which

non-hereditary Trustees

are in office

Number of

temples for which

non-hereditary Trustees are to be appointed

Appointing

Authority

1. 49(i) 27221 57 27164 Assis-tant Commissioner

2. 46(i) 2188 10 2178 Joint Commi-ssioner

3. 46(ii) 263 5 258 Commi-ssioner

4. 46(iii) 98 1 97 Govern-ment

Total 29770 73 29697

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(c) Each Revenue District has a District

Committee consisting of one ex-officio convenor

(Assistant Commissioner) and five non-official

members. The District Committee is empowered to

prepare the panel of names for the appointment of

Non-hereditary trustees for the Non-Listed temples

and temples which are listed under 46 (i) and (ii) of the

Act. The appointing authority is empowered to

appoint three trustees in these cases. The

Government is empowered to appoint trustees for

temples which are published under section 46 (iii) of

the Act. The Government may also nominate two

trustees for all categories of temples.

7. Administration of Religious Institutions Lands : (A) Details of Lands, Sites and Buildings:

All over Tamil Nadu there are 4,78,957.54

acres of lands owned by temples and other religious

institutions. They consist of wet, dry and rainfed

lands. The details are given below:-

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Owned by Temples

Owned by Mutts

Total Extent Type of land

acres cen ts

acres cents

acres cen ts

Wet lands

1,83,855 68 21,282 05 2,05,137 73

Dry lands

2,18,517 57 34,543 15 2,53,060 72

Rainfed 20,754 90 -- -- 20,754 90

Total 4,23,128 15 55,825 20 4,78,953 35

The lands are cultivated by 1,03,205 tenants.

The temples own 22,599 buildings and 33,627

grounds of sites, which are occupied by 22,776 and

55,225 tenants respectively.

(B ) Revenue Court:

Revenue Courts headed by Special Deputy

Collectors are functioning in the following places to

enquire and to settle the cases relating to the recovery

of arrears of land lease, fixation of fair rent and

eviction.

1. Thanjavur 2. Thiruchirappali 3. Mayiladuthurai 4. Thiruvarur 5. Cuddalore 6. Madurai

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Besides these, the Revenue Courts have sittings in

the following places also:-

1. Mannarkudi 2. Kumbakonam 3. Salem

33,584 cases have been filed in the Revenue

Courts covering a sum of Rs.124.13 crores as arrears

from the lease holders. 10537 cases have been

disposed off and ordered for collection of a sum of

Rs.98.96 crores. Action is being taken to collect the

amount. Besides, eviction orders have been issued in

respect of 1147 cases, 21900 cases are pending in

the Revenue Courts, covering a sum of Rs.25.17

crores.

(C) Fixation of Fair rent :-

Fair rent for the sites and buildings belonging to

the religious institutions are to be revised periodically,

atleast once in three years by a committee constituted

by the Commissioner. The Fair rent is fixed in

accordance with the market value of the land and the

cost of the building worked out as per the Government

Order. The working formula for fair rent fixation was

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ordered on 4.6.1999 and it was kept in abeyance from

27.4.2000. Subsequently the Government has

reviewed it and passed orders to implement it with

effect from 1.11.2001. Accordingly action has been

taken to fix fair rent for the sites and buildings

belonging to the temples.

So far fair rent has been fixed for 13,236

Buildings and 20,634 House sites. Because of this

the Temples’ income has raised to the tune of Rs.3.62

Crores. Swift action is being taken to fix the fair rent

for all the buildings and house sites of the temples.

8. The Rejuvenation Camp for Elephants : The Rejuvenation Camp was launched on

16.11.2003 on the advice of the Hon’ble Chief

Minister, exclusively for the well-being, restoration and

rejuvenation of the physical and mental health of the

Elephants held in captivity. It had also helped bringing

about a harmony between animal, human beings, and

the environment. 37 Temple Elephants and 18

Private and Mutt Elephants along with 45 elephants

owned by the Forest Department (totaling 100

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elephants) did participate in the camp for 30 days at

Mudhumalai Sanctuary. The elephants were provided

with intensive medical care, rich nutritious and

nourishing diet, exercise and refreshing bath and

splashes in a river every day.

The Hon'ble Chief Minister has instructed that

the rejuvenation camp for the elephants be made an

annual routine. The duration of this camp will

hereafter be extended to a period of 45 days.

9. Mahamaham:

Every year during the Tamil month of Masi,

Maham festival is being celebrated and once in 12

years Mahamaham festival is traditionally being

celebrated on a grand scale, at Kumbakonam Town.

On the Mahamaham day, 12 Saivite Temple

Deities and 5 Vaishnavite Temple Deities were taken

in procession to Mahamaham Tank and Cauvery

River respectively for the Holy Dip (Theerthawari).

The grand Mahamaham festival took place at

Kumbakonam on 6th March 2004 and was celebrated

with astounding success. Renovation of these 17

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temples, 16 sannadhis (Shrines) around the

Mahamaha Tank, and the Theerthavari mandapam

were taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.111 lakhs.

Out of this, renovation works to the value of Rs.60

lakhs were being carried out through Donors, and the

balance was met out from the Temple fund and by

Government grants. An amount of Rs.44.58 lakhs

was sanctioned as Government Grants.

Renovation works for all the above Temples

were completed, and Kumbabishekams were

performed close on the heels of the Mahamaham

Festival.

10. Temple Renovation :

In Tamilnadu there are temples sanctified by

the immortal verses of the Alwars and Nayanmars.

Besides these temples, there are temples of historic

and archaeological importance which need proper

upkeep and maintenance through renovation.

Repairs and Renovation works are undertaken

by using the funds from the following sources:-

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Donations from the public are considered to be

the outcome of interest shown by the public. In order

to encourage the public in the renovation of the

temples, financial assistance are given from

Government Grant, the Common Good Fund and the

Temple Development fund.

Out of the total estimate of the works, 75% of

the estimate should be borne by the public

contribution and the rest may be considered from the

funds referred to above.

Details of sanctioned amount for Temple Renovation

year No. of Temples

No. of works sanc-tioned

Esti-mate in lakhs

Temple fund

Govt Grant

Public contri-bution

( Rupees in Lakhs)

2001-2002

285

424

1715.33

774.49

108.24

832.60

2002-2003

138

302

2436.90

1030.81

255.70

1150.39

2003-2004

142

364

2467.92

699.32

331.84

1436.76

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Sources of funds for renovation works : i) Donations from the Public. ii) Funds from the respective Religious Institutions.

iii) Diversion of surplus funds from affluent temples.

iv) Government Grant. v) Common Good Fund.

vi) Temple Development Fund. vii) Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund.

viii) Village Temples Renovation Fund. (a) Donations from the Public:

The religious minded philanthropists,

industrialists, trusts and the general public are

voluntarily donating cash or kind to the temples to

carryout the renovation works.

(b) Diversion of surplus funds from affluent temples:

With the approval of the Commissioner, funds

are provided to the needy temples from the temples

having surplus funds under Section 36 of Tamil Nadu

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Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, for

renovation works.

(c) Government Grant :

Every year in the Budget allocation for this

Department, the Government have been providing

funds for temple renovation works.

During the year 2003-2004, a sum of rupees

75 lakhs was released for Temple Renovation works,

as Government grant.

Further, an amount of Rs. 25,000/- per temple

is given as Government Grant for renovation works

for temples situated in the habitation of Adi-Dravidas

and Backward Class people which are not under

the control of this Department. Financial assistance of

Rs. 12.50 lakhs is given to 50 temples every year

under this Scheme as Government grant. During the

year 2002-2003 also a sum of Rs. 12.50 lakhs was

given to 50 Temples. For the Current financial year

the Government has proposed to release Rs.31.25

Lakhs for 125 Temples under Part II Scheme.

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(d ) Common Good Fund : Under Section 97 of Tamil Nadu Hindu

Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, the

Commissioner has been authorised to create a

Common Good Fund, out of the contributions

voluntarily made by the Religious Institutions or by

individuals for the purpose of renovation and

preservation of the temples. Amounts are sanctioned

from this fund for temple renovation and their

maintenance. Under this scheme, during the year

2003-2004 a sum of rupees 48.67 lakhs was

released for 26 temples.

(e) Temple Development Fund: A corpus fund of Rs. 5 crores has been created

by way of diversion of surplus funds from affluent

temples. The interest accrued thereon periodically is

utilized with prior permission of Government for the

renovation of temples which are historically important,

ancient in nature and sanctified by the spiritual verses

of Nayanmars and Alwars. This fund is administered

by the Commissioner. Under this Scheme, for the

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year 2003-2004 a sum of rupees 23.70 lakhs was

released to 6 temples.

From this fund, Rs.1200/-per Temple is being

given to the needy temples under Orukala pooja

scheme.

(f ) Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund: (i) A fund in the name of “ Chief Minister’s

Temple Renovation and Maintenance Fund”, was

created on 5-8-1991 by our Hon’ble Chief Minister by

donating a sum of Rs. 1,08,000/- from her own fund in

order to preserve our Temples which reflect our rich

tradition, culture and heritage. Further, donations

have been received to this fund from service minded

philanthropists and also from the public. The name of

this fund has been changed as Temple Renovation

and Charitable Fund.

(ii) Financial assistance is given from this fund

to the ancient temples which were sanctified and

sung by Alwars and Nayanmars, having historical

fame and also noted for their importance for art and

architecture.

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(iii) Further, financial assistance is provided

from this fund to temples at the rate of Rs.1300/- for

each temple to set up a deposit for performing “Oru

Kala Pooja”.

(iv) A corpus fund of Rs. 1 crore has been

created for the upkeep and maintenance of

Incorporated and unincorporated temples in

Kanniyakumari District. A financial assistance of

Rs.14 lakhs is provided every year out of the interest

accrued there from.

(v) Further, an amount of Rs.25,000/- per

temple is given out of this fund to undertake

renovation works in the temples situated in the

habitation of Adi-Dravidars and Backward classes

which are not under the control of this Department.

Under this scheme, financial assistance at the rate of

Rs.25,000/- per temple is given to 50 temples, to the

tune of Rs.12.50 Lakhs.

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11. Financial Assistance to Temples in Adi-Dravidars and Backward classes Residential areas, which are not under the Control of this Department :

Under this Scheme every year financial

assistance for 100 temples at the rate of Rs.25,000/-

per temple is given. So far 500 temples have been

benefitted under this scheme.

In the year 2003-2004, 6000 temples which are

not under the control of this department were

identified to be renovated. It has been programmed to

expedite the action to renovate 6000 temples

situated in Adi Dravidas and Backward Class habitats

at Rs.25,000/- per temple amounting to Rs.15 Crores.

12. Village Temple Renovation Scheme : In Tamilnadu, for those temples which are

under the control of this department and situated in

villages, a sum of Rs.25,000/-is given for renovation

works from the interest accrued from the corpus fund

of Rs.2 Crores deposited by A/m. Dhandayudhapani

Swamy Temple, Palani. In 2003-2004, financial

29

assistance of Rs.25 lakhs has been disbursed to 100

temples.

13. Peformance of Kumbabishegam in Temples:

(1) “Kumbabhisegam” has to be performed for

every temple once in 12 years according to the

Agamas . Generally temples are classified under

three categories for taking up renovation work viz.,

(a) Temples which have been sanctified by

devotional songs of Alwars and Nayanmars.

(b) Temples which are of historic and Tourist

importance.

(c) Temples requiring immediate renovation and

also where the Kumbabhisekams have to be

performed within 12 years as per the Agamas.

(To perform “Ashtabandana Kumbabishegam”

for Moolasthana moorthy which are without

“Ashtabandana marundhu”)

(2) In Tamil Nadu, there are number of temples

which have been sanctified by the devotional and

spiritual songs of the Nayanmars and

Manglasasanam by Alwars. Besides these there are

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also many ancient and big temples. Action is being

taken to undertake renovation works in all the

renowned and ancient temples which remain as the

symbol of art and culture in Tamil Nadu to perform

Kumbabhisegam within a period of three years. During

the year 2003-2004 Kumbabhisegam has been

performed for 705 temples.

14. Renovation works in Temple Tanks: The temples under the control of the Hindu

Religious and Charitable Endowments Department

own several tanks. Of these, 1158 tanks need

renovation. The temple tanks have to be renovated,

to conduct regular float festivals and to meet the

drought conditions. Action is being taken for

conservation and renovation of temple tanks in the

following ways:-

i) Removing encroachments in and around the temple tanks;

ii) Putting up fencing or parapet walls around the temple tanks;

iii) Desilting and dredging; iv) Connecting storm water drains with temple tanks; v) Repairing the steps leading to the tanks.

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During the year 2003-2004 , 757 temple

tanks were renovated . Speedy action is being

taken to renovate all the other temple tanks.

15. Preservation and Maintenance of Temple Cars:

There are 823 wooden Temple cars owned by

the temples. Out of these, 147 temple cars are to be

repaired. Steps are being taken to preserve and

maintain these cars. In order to protect temple cars

steps have been taken to provide fireproof metal sheet

sheds, iron axles and wheels, periodical maintenance

and insurance coverage for the value of the temple

Cars. With a view to involve public in this, temple car

repair works are undertaken by utilising their

contributions also. During the year 2002-2003,

33 temple cars were repaired and put in use.

In 2003-2004, 60 temple cars were repaired and put in

use.

During the last Assembly Session,

announcement was made to renovate cars of 10

Temples. Out of which renovation of 2 temple cars

have been completed. 7 temple car works are in

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progress and for the remaining one car administrative

sanction has been given to renovate the same thro'

donor and the work is being started.

16. Amenities For Pilgrims : (a) Drinking water facilities at temples :-

Action has been taken to provide drinking water

in all the temples for the use of devotees. Steps have

been taken to supply the purified water in the needy

places. During the year 2003-2004, 2091 temples

were covered under this scheme.

(b) Toilet facilities:

Action has been taken to provide the modern

toilet facilities for the convenience of the devotees

visiting temples and also to provide separate toilets

for men and women. Under this scheme, during the

year 2003-2004, 272 temples were covered.

(c) Cottages, Rooms, Cloak Rooms etc:

Action is being taken to provide adequate

number of Cottages, Rooms, Dormitories, Cloak

Rooms, Parking facilities, etc. to cater to the needs of

pilgrims wherever necessary.

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17. Oru Kala Pooja Scheme:

Oru Kala Pooja Scheme was drawn up to

ensure performance of atleast one pooja every day

in temples which have no resources even to perform

such one time pooja. A sum of Rs.25,000/- is

deposited permanently in the name of the Temple.

The corpus is created for each temple by collecting

donation of Rs.2,500/- from general public,

Rs.20,000/- by diversion from the surplus funds of

financially sound temples, Rs.1,300/- from the Temple

Renovation and Charitable Fund and Rs.1,200/- from

the Temple Development Fund. Arrangement is

made to perform oru kala pooja daily from the interest

accruing on the above corpus. Accordingly 9792

temples have been benefitted till March 2004. This

Government have decided that orukala pooja should

be performed in all such temples which are not able to

perform even orukala pooja. During the year 2003-

2004, 90 temples have been benefitted under this

scheme.

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18. Safety of Icon and Other Valuables: The Government have taken all possible

measures to prevent thefts in temples. Various

foolproof arrangements such as the installation of

burglar alarms, tell-tale clocks, Special thotti locks,

fixing iron gates , appointment of night watchman,

appointment of Ex-serviceman and Second Grade

Constables through Temple Protection Force,

formation of Icon Centres and formation of Village

Vigilance committee are being implemented in the

temples. Both the local police and the Idol Wing

police are in charge of detecting thefts in the

temples, The Department is maintaining Icon

Centres at the following Places:

1. Thiruvarur Icon Protection Centre, Thiruvarur (Arulmighu Thiyagarajaswamy Thirukkoil Complex, Thiruvarur)

2. Arulmighu Akilandeswari Jambukeswarar Thirukoil, Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruchirapalli.

3. Arulmighu Meenakshisundareswarar Thirukoil, Madurai

4. Arulmighu Kanthimathi Udanurai Nellaiappar Thirukkoil , Thirunelveli

5. Arulmighu Sugavaneswarar Thirukkoil, Salem.

35

3188 Icons are kept in Icon Protection Centres.

Further, action has been taken to construct Icon

Centres at Kancheepuram, Thiruvannamalai, Vellore,

Kumbakonam and Cuddalore. Rs.120 Lakhs have

been allotted under Part II Scheme to construct Icon

centres at Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai and

Sivagangai during 2004-2005 financial year.

19. Temple Protection Force: With a view to protect the Icons, Jewels,

Hundials and other valuables in temples throughout

the State, a separate wing called the “Temple

Protection Force” has been constituted with 1000

Police Constables and 3000 Ex-Serviceman. 1000

Grade II Constables and 2778 Ex-Servicemen

appointed by the Police Department are in place at

present. These personnel are attached to the local

Police Stations. So far, these Security Personnel

have been deployed in 2751 temples in the state.

20. Karunai illams: “Karunai Illams” have been started in the

Temples which are functioning under the Hindu

36

Religious and Charitable Endowments Department in

order to provide food, shelter and education to the

destitute boys and girls. There are 42 Karunai Illams

functioning through 37 temples. Through them, 893

boys and 461 girls, totally 1354 are being benefitted.

Fifty percent of the expenditure for these Karunai

Illams is met from the concerned temple funds.

The rest is met through the grant from the Social

Welfare Department. The Government grants given

during last few years are as follows:

year Government Grant

Utilised

1998-1999 Rs.43,39,255/-

1999-2000 Rs.46,97,027/-

2000-2001 Rs.50,74,487/-

2001-2002 Rs.46,96,000/-

2002-2003 Rs.46,53,000/-

2003-2004 Rs.76,15,000/-

37

21. Educational and other Institutions maintained by Temples:

With the social aim of imparting knowledge

and training to the students from their childhood, the

practices necessary for maintaining discipline, culture

and religious principles, besides general education,

the temples are running schools, colleges and

padasalas .These details are as follows:-

(a) Educational Institutions .. (1) Colleges .. 5 (2) Polytechnics .. 2 (3) Higher Secondary Schools .. 12 (4) High Schools .. 10 (5) Middle Schools .. 3 (6) Elementary Schools .. 10 (7) Matriculation School .. 1 (8) Nagaswaram and Thavil Training Schools .. 4 (9) Veda Agama Padasalas .. 4 (10)Thevara Padasalas .. 2 (11) Dhivya Prabhandha Padasala .. 3 (12) Deaf and Dumb School .. 1 (b) Social Service Institutions: (1) Siddha Hospitals .. 9 (2) Allopathy Hospitals .. 2 (3) Karunai Illams .. 42 (4) Old Age Homes .. 3 --------

Total 113

38

22. Free Marriages in Temples:

There is a scheme for conducting free

marriages to the poor and needy weaker section of

the Hindu people in society, through the temples

having surplus funds. Under this scheme,a sum of

Rs.5500/- is sanctioned for every marriage.

Accordingly free marriages are being conducted in the

affluent temples every year.

This free marriages hitherto conducted

elsewhere in the temples, were consolidated and

conducted for 1053 couples at a time at Tiruverkadu

on 18.6.2003 in the presence of the Hon`ble Chief

Minister of Tamilnadu. In that free marriage function,

719 Adi Dravida couples, 22 Scheduled Tribes

couples, 165 Most Backward Class couples, 144

Backward Class couples and 3 other community

couples have been benefitted.

23. Annadhanam Scheme: As announced by His excellency the Governor

of Tamilnadu in 2002-2003 budget session,

Annadhana Scheme was inaugurated by the Hon`ble

39

Chief Minister on 23.3.2002 in selected Temples in

Tamilnadu. Introduced in 63 Temples in first phase

now it has been extended to 171 Temples

In all Temples,wherein annadhana scheme is in

force, moral and spiritual classes for the children are

organised through scholars on every Sunday. A book

called ``khzt®fS¡F ÚÂnghjid`` has been

prescribed for the purpose.

In order to continue the above Annadhana

scheme without any break a deposit of Rs.15000/- has

been received from the public and a separate

Endowment Fund created. From the interest accrued

from the deposit, Annadhanam will be provided on any

day in a year fixed by the donor. A sum of Rupees

2,57,20,407/- has been collected upto 31.3.2004 as

‘Endowments Deposit’.

A, G.O. has been issued to create “Rupees

Twenty Crores” corpus fund for the Annadhana

scheme, so as to give financial assistance to the

needy temples out of the interest accrued from the

corpus fund. The beneficiaries as on 30.6.2004 are

1,36,94,293 under Annadhanam Scheme and the

40

beneficiaries for the moral instructions classes are

4,21,294 as on 30th June 2004.

24. Archanai in Tamil: A Committee consisting of spiritual leaders from

both saivaite and vaishnavite and reputed scholars in

Tamil has been constituted to provide necessary

suggestions to streamline the worship in Tamil in the

temples and the following Archana books in Tamil

have been published.

Books of 108 potri: 1. Arulmighu Vinayagar potri 2. Arulmighu Murugavel potri 3. Arulmighu Sivan potri 4. Arulmighu Thirumal potri 5. Arulmighu Thenmugakkadavul potri 6. Arulmighu Nataraja potri 7. Arulmighu Umayammai potri 8. Arulmighu Kothandaramar potri 9. Arulmighu Thayar potri 10. Arulmighu Durgai Amman potri 11. Arulmighu Kaliamman potri 12. Arulmighu Mariamman potri 13. Arulmighu Anuman potri 14. Arulmighu Nava Kolgal potri.

Book of 1008 potri: Arulmighu Vinayagar Pottri Book has been published

41

25. Shekkizhar Vizha: A corpus fund for Rs. 5 lakhs was created from

the surplus funds of the temples in order to celebrate

Divine Saint Shekkizhar Vizha every year. The above

vizha is being celebrated in a grand manner utilising

the interest amount accrued from the above corpus.

Rs.29,000/- has been spent in May 2003 for

shekkizhar vizha.

26. Thirugnana Sambandar ‘Isai Vizha’ : In memory of Thirugnana Sambandar one of

the spiritual Nayanmars, a music festival in His name

is being conducted by the Hindu Religious and

Charitable Endowments Administration Department

at Arulmighu Vedagiriswarar Temple,

Thirukazhukundram since 2001. The expenditure for

this festival is being met from the Commissioner’s

Common Good Fund. In the year 2003 a sum of

Rs.15,000/- has been spent for Isai vizha.

42

27. Avvai Vizha: Arulmighu Avvaiyar and Viswanathaswamy

Temple situated at Thulasiyapattinam village of

Vedaraniyam Taluk, Nagapattinam District is under

the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Department. Action has been taken to

conduct the Avvai Vizha at the above Village, as a

Government function through the Hindu Religiious and

Charitable Endowment Administration Department

and a Government Order has been issued to that

effect.

28. Cable Car at Palani : To fulfill the longstanding demand and need of

the devotees of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy

Temple, Palani, the Government has approved a

scheme to instal a cable car service and tender was

approved for a sum of Rupees 388.41 lakhs. 90% of

works have been done. Speedy action is being taken

to complete the work early.

43

29. Girivala Pathai at Palani : To fulfill another longstanding wishes of the

devotees of the Palani Temple, action has been taken

to provide “Girivala Pathai” on the lines of

Tiruvannamalai Thirukoil Girivala Pathai. The works

under this scheme have been completed.

30. Thalavaralaru and Thalapuranam : “Thalavaralaru” and “Thalapuranam” books are

being published for the public to know the history,

special features, glories, historical importance, stone

inscriptions of the temples and mythology of each

temples. So far 1960 “Thalavaralaru” 9

“Thalapuranams” and 2 “Pillai Tamizh” and 2

“Kalampagams” have been published. Action has

also been taken for the publication of more

Thalavaralaru and Thalapuranam books. During the

year 2003-2004, 739 Thalavaralaru have been

published. Action is being taken to publish folders on

important temples in all districts.

44

31. Publication of Agama and other books in Tamil :

(i) As a first venture, “Uthrakamiga Agama

Book” which Originally is in Sanskrit language was

translated into Tamil and published, so as to enable

the public to understand Agama Sastras.

As demanded by the public, action has been initiated

to re-print and publish the same at the earliest.

(ii) Action is being taken to publish “Aalaya

Nirmana Bimba Lakshana Silpa Nool” in Tamil.

(iii) Action is being taken to publish Grama

“Poosarigal Vazhipattu Payirchi Nool” in Tamil, so as

to know the practices of worship by village poosaries.

(iv) Action has been taken to publish ‘Kumara

Thanthiram” in Tamil. It is under print and the same

will be published shortly.

(v) The book “ Indhu Matha Inaippu Villakkam’ .

has been republished.

(vi) The book “ Saivamum Vainavamum” has

been republished.

45

32. Publication of “Thirukoil” Magazine : A monthly magazine in the name of “Thirukoil”

is published by the Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Administration Department since 1958.

Eminent scholars regularly write articles on Hindu

Religious temples and spirituality in this magazine.

The Cost of a single copy is Rs.10/-. The Annual

Subscription for this magazine is Rs.120/- and life

term subscription costs Rs. 1500/-. At present monthly

4000 copies are being circulated.

33. Recognition of Chartered Engineers : Considering the delay experienced in the

preparation of estimates for Temple Thiruppani works,

Engineers who are retired from Highways and Public

Works Department are recognised and approved as

Chartered Engineers. The Chartered Engineers

recognised by this Department are permitted to

prepare estimates required by the temples. 72

Chartered Engineers have been recognised so far.

46

34. Recognition of Sthapathis: Stapathis are rendering their assistance while

the temples carry out Thiruppani works to ensure that

the structural designs of Temples are as per Agama

Sasthras and also render help to carry out these

works with artistic workmanship. These works are

being examined and monitored by an officer appointed

in the cadre of Superintending Engineer as Stapathi

Advisor. Further, in order to render assistance in

preparing the estimates, Degree and Diploma holders

in temple architecture and sculpture and persons in

this field hereditarily are recognised and approved as

stapathis to assist in Temple Thiruppani. 35. Appointment of Sthapathis:

To ensure the structural designs and estimates

of Temple renovation as per the Agamic principles,

the Government decided to appoint Sthapathis in 5

regions as infra. The Sthapathy will get monthly-

consolidated payment of Rs. 4000/-. This amount will

be met by affluent temples. Initially the said

47

appointments has been made only for three years on

contract basis.

Sl. No

Head Quarters

Joint Commissio

ners Region covered

Pay disbursing Temple

1. Arulmighu Subramaniya-swamy Temple, Thiruthani

1. Chennai 1. Chennai 2. Vellore

2.Arulmighu Devi Karumariyamman Temple, Thiruverkadu.

1. Arulmighu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai

2. Arulmighu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram.

2. Madurai 1. Madurai 2. Siva- gangai

3. Arulmighu Dhandayutha swamy Temple, Palani.

48

1. Arulmighu Mariyamman Temple, Samayapuram

3. Thiruchi-rapalli

1.Thiruchi- rapalli 2.Thanja- vur 3.Mayiladu thurai

2.Arulmigu Aranganatha- swamy Temple, Srirangam. 1. Arulmighu Subramania- swamy Temple, Marudhamalai

4. Coimba-tore

1. Coimba- tore 2. Salem

2. Arulmighu Bannari Mariyamman Temple, Bannari 1. Arulmighu Subramaniya- swamy Temple, Thiruchendur

5. Thirunel-veli

Thirunel-veli

2. Arulmighu Sankaranarayana- swamy Temple, Sankarankoil

36. Special Worship and Common Feast :

Special worship and common feasts are

organised every year in affluent temples on

Independence day and Perarignar Anna’s memorial

49

day in which public from all communities are

participating without any discrimination. During the

year 2003-2004, special worship and common feast

has been organised.

37. Refresher course: In order to enable the Archakas, Battacharyas

and Odhuvars working in Temples to perform their

duties effectively “Refresher Course” was started in

the year 1991 and being continued in Temples. It has

been decided to reactivate this scheme so as to

remove the slackness noticed in the recent past.

Action has been taken to conduct refresher courses in

selected important temples under the jurisdiction of

each Assistant Commissioner. During the year 2002-

2003, the Refresher Courses have been conducted for

3 months in 54 temples in various districts of the

State. From 2.3.2003 the refresher courses have

been conducted in 23 Temples. The details of

beneficiaries are as follows:

50

Sl.No. Category Number of beneficiaries

1. Odhuvar 49

2. Archagar (Saivaite) 330

3. Battachariyar

(Vaishnavite)

105

4. Poosarigal 4

Total beneficiaries 488

38. Appointment of Nadhaswara Musicians in Temples: Considering the decreasing trend of performing

Nagaswara Isai during daily poojas and festivals due

to paucity of funds in the ancient and historically

famous temples which were sanctified by saints,

action has been taken to appoint Nagaswaram, Thavil

and Thala musicians and to pay Rs.1500/- Rs.1000/-

and Rs.750/- respectively from the interest of the

corpus of one crore created for this purpose by this

Department. 6 nadhaswaram, 4 thavil and 1 thalam

totally 11 persons are benefitted under this scheme.

51

39. Appointment of Tamil Pulavars : 150 Tamil Pulavars have been appointed for

recital and rendering of Thirumurai and

Divyaprabhandhams, chanting hymns, religious

discourses, to propagate religious messages and to

publish ‘Thala Varalaru’ and ‘Thala Puranam’ in

affluent temples and to maintain libraries. They are

paid a consolidated salary of Rs.1500/- per month

from the funds of the concerned temples.

40. Temple Employees: In Tamilnadu, 37819 regular Employees are

working in different category of posts in the Hindu

Religious and Charitable Institutions and they are

paid in cash or kind or both. Out of the total strength,

4751 regular employees are working in the financially

sound institutions managed by the Executive Officers

in the cadre of Joint Commissioners, Deputy

Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners.

Following welfare schemes are implemented for temple servants: 1. Contributory Provident Fund

2. Family Benefit Fund

52

3. Special Provident Fund

4. Temple Servant Benefit Scheme

5. Pension Scheme

6. Payment of ex-gratia

7. Marriage advance

8. Vehicle Advance

9. Medical Allowance

10. Washing Allowance

11.Festival Advance

12.Leave Concessions

13.House Rent Allowance

14. Special Pay for Typist

15.30% increase of pay to consolidated paid servants

16. City Compensatory Allowance

17. Selection Grade and Special Grade

18. Compassionate appointment

(1) Contributory Provident Fund :

Every Religious Institutions where the annual

income is Rs.10,000/- or more shall introduce for the

benefit of its employees a Contributory Provident Fund

Scheme. Every subscriber shall subscribe monthly to

the fund. The amount of subscription shall not be less

53

than 12 percent of his emoluments. The Religious

Institution shall contribute 12 percent to the account of

the subscriber.

(2) Family Benefit Fund Scheme: This Scheme was introduced with a view to

help the families of the Temple Employees who

happen to die in harness. Under this Scheme a

financial assistance of Rs. 75,000/- is being given to

the Legal heirs of the Deceased Employees. For this

scheme a corpus fund with Rupees five crores has

been created by diversion from the temples having

surplus fund. This scheme is implemented out of the

interest accrued on that deposit. During the year

2003-2004 a sum of Rs. 68.50 lakhs was disbursed

for 104 families.

(3) Special Provident Fund Scheme: The Special Provident Fund Scheme was

created for the Employees who are working in

Temples having an annual income of Rs.1 lakh and

above. For this scheme, a fixed deposit of Rs.8 lakhs

has been created from the surplus fund of the

54

temples. Under this scheme, the contribution paid by

the member-employee is disbursed to him at the time

of his retirement with the accrued interest thereon

through the temple and in addition to that a sum of Rs.

1000/- is also disbursed to him from the Department.

(4) Temple servants Benefit Scheme: The Temple Servants Benefit scheme was

introduced for the benefit of the employees whose

monthly salary is less than Rs.400/- and working in the

temples with an annual income of less than

Rs.40,000/-. Under this scheme, the pay arrears, if

any of the temple servants are paid by the

department. A sum of Rs.1 crore from the surplus fund

of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Palani

has been set apart as Corpus Fund for this purpose.

The interest accruing thereon is being utilized for

implementing this scheme every year. A sum of

Rs.18,21.647/- has been disbursed to 718 employees

working in 488 temples.

Due to the decrease in the rate of interest on

the deposit in the bank and the expenditure towards

55

the disbursement of the salary arrears are increasing

an additional corpus fund of Rs. 4 Crores have been

sanctioned as diversion of the surplus fund of affluent

temples and thereby raising the corpus fund to Rs.5

crores.

(5) Pension Schemes: (a) Odhuvars, Archakas and others

A sum of Rs. 500/- per month is given to the

“Odhuvars”, “Archakas”, “Vedhaparayanar”,

“Divyaprapandam Paduvore”, “Araiyars” and “Isai

Kalaingnar”, who have served for 20 years in

temples and retired on superannuation at the age of

60.

The following personalities namely Archakas

(saivam & Vaishnavam) Odhuvar, vedhparayanam,

divyaprapandam recitation, Araiyar and Isai kalaingnar

who had served in the temples under the control of

this Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment

department and retired, have been permitted by the

government to receive pension.

Details of pensioners as follows:

56

Sanctioned Strength :

Sanc-tioned

Odhuvar Vedham/ Prapandam/ Araiyar

Isai Kalaingnar

Archakar

Grand Total

Total 125 59 125 691 1000

Pensioners:

Year of Sanction

Odhuvar Vedham/ Prapan-dam/ Araiyar

Isai Kalaingnar

Archakar

Grand Total

Up to 2000-2001

117 43 99 591 850

2001-2002

6 1 8 67 82

2002-2003

2 0 8 21 31

2003-2004

2 1 -- 27 30

Total 127 45 115 706 993

(b) Village Temple poojaries Pension Scheme:

The Government have issued orders for the

grant of pension to Poojaries at the rate of Rs. 500/-

per month each for those who have retired at the age

of 60 on superannuation after working for a period of

not less than 20 years in Temples which do not come

57

under the administrative control of Hindu Religious

and Charitable Endowments Department in

Tamilnadu. The details of the pensioners are as

follows:

Year Sanctioned

strength

Pension Beneficiers

Up to 2000-2001 1500 1418

In 2001-2002 1000 366

In 2002-2003 -- 348

2003-2004 500 353

Total 3000 2485

(6) Ex-gratia Payment:

The temple employees who are expected to

work more during Kumbabhisegam and annual

festivals used to get consolidated exgratia payment

every year. During the year 2001-2002 the exgratia

amount was raised as one month basic pay to the

employees.

58

(7) Marriage Advance:

The temple employees are eligible to get an

advance of Rs. 6000/- and Rs. 10000/- for the

marriages of their son and daughter respectively.

(8) Vehicle Advance:

The Temple employees are eligible to get Rs.

20,000/-as advance towards the purchase of two

wheeler.

(9) Medical Allowance:

Rs. 50/- per month is paid as Medical

Allowance to the temple employees. (10) Washing Allowance:

Rs. 10/- per month is paid to uniformed

employees as washing allowance.

(11) Festival Advance:

Rs. 1000/- is sanctioned as festival advance.

59

(12) Leave Concessions:

a) Earned Leave:

The temple employees are eligible to earn 30

days per year and are permitted to surrender 15

days per year in lieu of cash.

b) Medical Leave:

240 days of Medical Leave is eligible for an

employee through out his/her service.

c) Maternity Leave:

A women employee can avail 60 days as

Maternity Leave. d) Encashment of Earned Leave on retirement:

An employee can encash 60 days of earned

leave on his /her retirement.

(13) House Rent Allowance:

The employees are eligible to get House Rent

Allowance as per their pay scale and place of work as

detailed below:

60

Scale of pay of Temple Employees (in Rupees)

Working place upto

1600 1601 to

2200

2201 to

5300

5301 to

7000

7001 to

10000 Grade – I (A):- Chennai City and surrounding area within 32 km radius

250 280 340 400

500

Grade - 1(B) :- Coimbatore, Madurai and surrounding area within the 16 km radius

144 200 250 300

360

Grade II :-Other cities and the area situated within 8 km radius

120 150 180 220

270

Grade – III : Towns

80 100 120 150

190

Other places. 60 70 80 90 100

61

(14) Special Pay for Typists: The Typists who are qualified both in Tamil

and English in Higher Grade are eligible to get a

sum of Rs. 80/- as Special Pay per month. Those

who are having one Higher Grade and another in

Lower Grade either in English or in Tamil

respectively are eligible to get Rs. 60/- as Special

Pay .

(15) Increased pay to consolidated pay Employees:

Pay has been increased by 30% for the

employees who receive consolidated pay.

(16) City Compensatory Allowance:

Temple employees are sanctioned City

Compensatory and Village Allowance as follows:-

(i) Employees of Temples administered by the Executive Officers in the cadre of Joint Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Temples

Basic Pay Chennai Rs.

Corporations Rs.

Others Rs.

Upto Rs.3200/-

80.00 40.00 20.00

Above Rs.3200/-

110.00 60.00 20.00

62

(ii) Other Temple Employees

Basic Pay Town Rs.

Village Rs.

Upto Rs.1600/- 50.00 35.00

Above Rs.1600/- 70.00 45.00

(17) Selection Grade and Special Grade:

The employees of the temples who have

completed 10 years or 20 years of service as on

15.10.1997 or thereafter can get their pay on Special

Grade and Selection Grade respectively.

(18) Appointment on compassionate Ground:

Appointment on compassionate ground was

introduced with a view to help any of the legal heirs of

temple employee who happened to die while in

service. Under this scheme in the year 2003-2004, 16

legal heirs have been given appointment.

Part II Scheme:

Funds have been allocated for the following

schemes under Part II Scheme for the financial year

2004-2005:

63

Sl.No Scheme Allocated Amounts (in Lakhs)

1. Repair of the Office building and the residence of the Assistant Commissioner, Nagercoil

6.15

2. Construction of a new building for the Assistant Commissioner Office at Kumbakonam.

18.40

3. Purchase of 5 computers with accessories to the Commissioner Office.

2.50

4. Purchase of Racks for Commissioner Office use.

2.00

5. Construction of Icon centres at Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai and Sivagangai.

120.00

6. Renovation of 125 Temples in the habitats of Adi-Dravidars.

31.25

Conclusion:

The Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Department is entrusted with the sacred

responsibility of the management of temples and

64

performance of Poojas and Festivals in the temples

according to custom and usage of the respective

temples taking particular care to preserve the

aesthetic and architectural feature of ancient temples

intact. The Government is taking earnest efforts to

streamline the temple administration and to ensure

effective administration, proper maintenance of

temples and undertaking renovation in needy temples,

besides observance of worship rituals in temples. The

Government is also taking efforts to ensure that no

Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments

Administration Department controlled temple goes

without performing pooja.

The Officers and members of staff of the Hindu

Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration

Department rededicate themselves to provide a more

honest, effective and efficient service.

P.C. RAMASAMY,

MINISTER FOR HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT.