Himachal Pradesh Government Requests Temple Funds, Claims Jairam Thakur

Synopsis

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has criticized the Congress government for allegedly seeking funds from temples to support state welfare schemes. He condemns the move as shocking and opposes the use of temple funds for government expenditures.

Key Takeaways

Jairam Thakur criticizes the Congress government for seeking temple funds.
Alleges misuse of temple trust funds for state welfare schemes.
Claims government is financially mismanaged.
Warns of protests against the decision.
Calls for public opposition to the funding strategy.

New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Jairam Thakur, has vehemently condemned the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress administration, alleging that it is soliciting funds from temples to support government initiatives.

He asserted that while Congress leaders have been openly critical of Sanatan Dharma, they are now turning to temple trust funds to finance state welfare programs.

Thakur claimed that the Himachal Pradesh government has formally instructed temple trusts under state regulation to transfer their funds into the government treasury for two significant schemes, the Sukh-Ashraya scheme and the Sukh-Shiksha initiative.

"The government has issued an order, followed by consistent reminders, urging temple trusts to remit all available funds at the earliest," he stated.

Denouncing this action, Thakur remarked, "This is astonishing and regrettable. No previous government has ever utilized temple trust funds for executing budgetary schemes. If funds were required during emergencies, such as during COVID-19 or natural disasters, and redirected towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for humanitarian assistance, that would be reasonable. However, leveraging temple funds for routine government expenditures is entirely unacceptable."

He further criticized the government for its alleged inconsistencies, stating, "On one hand, Congress leaders belittle Sanatan Dharma and its adherents, yet on the other, they wish to utilize temple donations to support their policies. This decision is preposterous and must be opposed by everyone, including temple committees and the general populace."

Thakur also slammed the Congress administration’s financial mismanagement, asserting, "They lack the funds to pay salaries, pensions, or meet financial obligations, yet they deceitfully declare that all guarantees have been fulfilled. Meanwhile, they have closed down 1,865 institutions established during the BJP’s era, halted initiatives like the Sahara scheme for medical assistance and the Shagun scheme for marriage support, and terminated the Himcare health program for the underprivileged."

Warning of significant protests, Thakur proclaimed, "We will staunchly oppose this decision, both inside and outside the Assembly. With the Budget Session set for the 10th, we will vigorously address this issue."