Nagpur: Over Rs30 crore has been collected by way of donations from parts of Vidarbha for the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya as of now. The total collection will go up further after smaller donations (below Rs2,000 and cheques) are taken into account. The highest amount given by a single donor in Vidarbha is Rs5 crore, said campaign coordinator for region Govind Shende, without disclosing the name.
Over 34,000 persons in the region have donated an amount more than Rs2,000. The funds are part of the collections done during the month-long door-to-door drive held from January 15 to February 15. The campaign has been extended till February 28 as a number of pockets in the region are yet to be covered, said those involved in the donation drive.
Donations are being accepted in the form of coupons, cash and even cheque. “Receipts are being issued for donation above Rs2,000.
The amount can also be claimed as deduction from tax liability under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, he said.
A notification issued on May 2020 brought the temple trust at Ayodhya under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, which deals with donations to trusts.
Shende said so far receipts have been issued to 34,228 persons for amounts of above Rs2,000. The progress so far has been satisfactory, said Shende.
Champat Rai, general secretary of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Khstera Nyas, said except some regions, the general plan was to hold the drive till February-end. The total amount received can only be revealed after that.