Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SS)

Udupi, Oct 4: The 'Saptapadi' scheme launched by the Muzrai department in 2021 is likely to be revived going by the indications given by the incumbent government.

Former Muzrai minister in the erstwhile BJP government Kota Srinivasa Poojary had launched the 'Saptapadi' scheme. The new Congress government which took office had not indicated its intent to continue with the scheme. However, the incumbent Muzrai minister Ramalinga Reddy has responded positively to continue the 'Saptapadi' scheme and thus ended the suspense.

Under the scheme, the bride and the bridegroom were provided clothing, gold and food by the temple administration trusts. Bridegrooms were given shirts, dhotis and Rs 5,000 in cash while the brides were given sarees, Rs 1,000 in cash and 8 grams of gold for Mangalasutra. The total expenditure for both the bride and bridegroom came up to Rs 55,000 and this expenditure was borne by the temple and reimbursed by the government.

Kollur Sri Mukambika Temple has spent Rs 13,95,293 while Mandarthi Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple Rs 32,92,591, Kamalashile Sri Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Temple Rs 1,50,000, Neelavara Sri Mahishamardhini Temple Rs 1,17,265, Kota Sri Amrutheshwari Temple Rs 8,19,024 and Maranakatte Sri Brahmalingeshwara Temple Rs 17,26,172 have spent under the scheme.

Under the Saptapadi scheme from 2021 up to March 2023, marriages of 23 couples have taken place in Kollur Sri Mukambika Temple, 76 in Mandarthi Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, 3 in Kamalashile Sri Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Temple, 2 in Neelavara Sri Mahishamardhini Temple, 12 in Kota Sri Amrutheshwari Temple and 37 couples in Maranakatte Sri Brahmalingeshwara Temple.

Prashanth Kumar Shetty, assistant commissioner of religious endowment department said, "We have been getting enquiries about the Saptapadi scheme. So far, we have not received any intimation from the government on the continuation of the scheme. Temples have been instructed to take necessary steps accordingly."

Muzrai minister Ramalinga Reddy said, "There were no announcements pertaining to the scheme due to the Ashada month. We have no intention to stop this scheme. The concerned officials will shortly notify on the scheme."