Karnataka govt warns temples against barring Dalits

BENGALURU: A week after two House committees of the Karnataka legislature referred to back-to-back incidents of Dalits being barred from entering temples and large-scale mismanagement of temple resources, the state government has taken serious note of the trend.
The Hindu religious and charitable endowment (muzrai) department has warned temples of serious action in case of any discrimination of devotees.
Demanding equal treatment of all devotees regardless of caste or creed, the Legislature Committee on SC/ST Welfare headed by BJP MLA MP Kumaraswamy had asked the state government to install boards at temples run by the muzrai department that people of all castes will be allowed to visit temples. "There have been instances of Dalits being barred from entering temples. These incidents shall not be allowed," the committee noted in its report to the House.
'Mismanagement' of some temples flagged
Terming caste-based discrimination incidents unfortunate, muzrai minister Shashikala Jolle told STOI the department will adopt a zero-tolerance policy to prevent such incidents in future. "Despite our efforts to ensure equality among devotees, there have been incidents barring entry of Dalits into temples. This has come to my notice as well. We will once again send out orders to all temples. If any temple violates the rule and orders of the department, they will be dealt with seriously," the minister clarified.
Another committee on backward classes and minorities welfare headed by BJP MLA Kumar Bangarappa expressed concern over mismanagement in the administration of some temples. "Devotees from other states too throng our temples and there has been a sharp increase in cases of pickpocket and women devotees being harassed. Hence, all temples and their premises be secured through CCTV cameras and monitored constantly. Besides, 70% of the revenue collected in the cash collection boxes (hundi) is spent on paying salaries to the employees and 'A' category temples must create a fixed source of income to meet such expenses," the panel recommended.
During the audit of the department, the committees noted that even after four years of assuming power, the government has not formed 'Aradhana Committees' to monitor the management of temples in every assembly constituency. "Some of the temples are under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and there are legal problems pertaining to property ownership. The government must hold discussions with ASI officials and resolve the legal issues. Besides, land ownership of all temples be transferred in the name of temples in the RTC records," the committees pointed out.