Rajasthan cabinet approves Rs 101 cr for temple renovation, priest stipend

On Saturday, the Rajasthan Cabinet resolved to allocate Rs 101 crore for the refurbishment of state-controlled temples and increase the honorarium for their part-time priests, as per a government announcement.

These were part of a series of decisions concerning the Devasthan Department made during the meeting in Prayagraj after Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with ministers and state MLAs, participated in a sacred dip at the Maha Kumbh.

It was resolved to raise the funds to Rs 3,000 monthly for service, worship, bhog, prasad, festivals, attire, water and lighting, security operation systems, etc., in 390 temples categorized as direct charge under the Devasthan Department and 203 temples classified as self-dependent, as per the statement. Authorization was granted to boost the honorarium for part-time priests serving in these temples from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,500 monthly.

Additionally, Rs 101 crore will be allocated for the renovation, repair, and development of six temples directly supervised by the government through the Devasthan Department, along with 26 self-sufficient temples. The precise quantity of temples managed by the department situated outside the state will be examined and documented.

A sum of Rs 25 crore will be allocated for the restoration of these crumbling temples.