Will be converted into coins and sold to devotees, funds to be used to improve facilities
The Newz Radar
DHARAMSHALA: Himachal Pradesh is set to monetise the gold and silver stored in its temples for centuries by converting it into coins and selling these to devotees.
Approximately 6 quintals of gold and 234 quintals of silver are currently deposited in various temples across the state. The funds generated by selling the coins to devotees will be retained by the respective temple trusts.
In addition to selling coins, temple trusts will also have the option to explore bonds and other financial instruments to manage their assets. However, any such initiative by the trusts would require prior approval from the government. The government’s role is crucial in overseeing and sanctioning these financial transactions to ensure transparency and accountability.
The modified rules, announced on Tuesday by the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government, seek to empower temple trusts to utilise the funds received from the sale of coins for enhancing facilities provided to visiting devotees. This move comes as a response to the challenging economic conditions faced by the state, prompting authorities to find innovative solutions for utilising the wealth stored in temples.
The government, through the amendment to the Himachal Pradesh Public Religious Institution and Endowment Rules, has introduced provisions to facilitate this process. As part of the regulatory changes, the rules established in 1986 have been rescinded.
The Chintpurni temple in Una has 2.10 quintals of gold and 77.54 quintals of silver, Baba Balaknath Deotsidh in Hamirpur has 24.89 kg of gold and 3.17 quintals of silver, and Shri Nainadevi temple in Bilaspur has 2.10 quintals of gold 82.45 quintal of silver. Similarly, Jwalaji temple in Kangra has 47.94 kg of gold and 18.97 quintals of silver, Chamunda Nandikeshwar in Kangra has 19.62 kg of gold and 7.36 quintals of silver, Bajreshwari Mata temple in Kangra has 36 kg of gold and 13.45 quintals of silver while Bhimakali temple in Sarahan (Shimla) has 12.12 kg of gold and 6.73 kg of silver.
In cases where the government has taken charge of temple trusts, and the head of the trust is the Deputy Commissioner or another designated officer, they are responsible for submitting proposals related to these financial initiatives to the government.
Additionally, temple trusts are mandated to furnish a comprehensive record of their income over the past decade to the state government, ensuring a thorough understanding of their financial standing.
