Non-Hindus Should Not Be Employed In Andhra Hindu Temples: AP CM Chandrababu Naidu

Aug 30, 2024:: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has declared that the state government of Andhra Pradesh will implement a policy of exclusively engaging Hindus to work in temples within the state.

In a significant meeting with senior officials from the Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu presented a sweeping initiative aimed at rejuvenating temple management, promoting pilgrimage tourism, and safeguarding the state’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy.

In a significant move, the Naidu government has announced a salary hike for 1,683 Archakas (temple priests) across the state, increasing their monthly remuneration from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. Additionally, the government has also decided to enhance the financial assistance provided to small temples under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme, doubling the monthly allocation from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

During the meeting on Tuesday (27 August), Chief Minister Naidu stressed the importance of nurturing spirituality in every temple across the state. He directed that all temples and their premises be maintained with utmost cleanliness and hygiene, preserving the sanctity and spiritual ambiance of these revered spaces.

CM   Naidu emphasized, ‘Spirituality must flourish in every temple across the state. Spiritual programs should be designed to draw devotees back to the temples without feeling exploited for money. Moreover, it is crucial that temples and their surroundings are maintained with exceptional cleanliness.’

In addition, the Chief Minister approved a proposal to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 3,000 to unemployed youth who have studied Veda Vidya, aiming to support their livelihood. Furthermore, Naidu announced a minimum monthly salary of Rs 25,000 for Nayee Brahmins (temple barbers), recognizing their essential role in temple traditions.

Moreover, Chief Minister Naidu announced the establishment of a multidisciplinary committee, comprising representatives from the Tourism Department, Hindu Charities Department, and Forest Department, to oversee the development and preservation of temples, especially those situated in forested areas. This committee will ensure that the natural beauty and spiritual significance of these sites are protected while also enhancing their accessibility and appeal to more visitors and pilgrims.

During the meeting, a decision was made to expand the temple trusts by appointing two additional board members, aiming to enhance the governance and management of these trusts.

Temple trusts with annual revenues exceeding Rs 20 crore, currently comprising 15-member boards, will be expanded to 17 members. Additionally, it was confirmed that the trust boards will reserve two seats for representatives from the Brahmin and Nayee Brahmin communities, fulfilling a pre-election commitment made by the NDA.

Chief Minister Naidu vehemently denounced the vandalization of Hindu temples that occurred during the previous administration of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, including the arson attack on a temple chariot. He demanded stringent action against the perpetrators of such heinous crimes and reaffirmed that Andhra Pradesh would not tolerate forced religious conversions, upholding the state’s commitment to protecting the religious freedom and heritage of its citizens.

Chief Minister Naidu emphasized that the sentiments of devotees are paramount and that only Hindus should be employed in temples. He asserted that Andhra Pradesh will not tolerate forced religious conversions and announced that non-Hindus will not be given jobs in Hindu temples. Furthermore, he declared that trustees will be appointed for 1,110 temples in the state. Additionally, Naidu vowed to reclaim 87,000 acres of temple land currently under illegal occupation through legal measures, ensuring the protection of temple properties and the preservation of religious heritage.

Chief Minister Naidu has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into potential irregularities in temple management over the past five years, prioritizing transparency and accountability in temple administration. Notably, upon assuming office, Naidu’s first act was to visit the revered Tirumala Tirupati temple, where he pledged to eradicate corruption within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). He criticized the previous YSRCP government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, for commercializing TTD and mismanaging its affairs. Naidu expressed concerns about the quality and pricing of religious offerings, emphasizing the need to prevent black market activities surrounding ticket sales for temple visits. He vowed to address these issues, stressing the importance of preserving the sanctity of the shrine. Expressing dismay at the alleged transformation of the temple into a hub for undesirable activities, Naidu pledged to initiate corrective measures, starting with the Tirupati Temple, to restore its spiritual integrity.