Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Jun 22: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government has cancelled administrative sanctions for 46 projects worth Rs 245.85 crore that were approved during the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government and were proposed to be funded through temple resources.

The decision was announced by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE), which stated that the cancelled projects included construction of marriage halls and commercial complexes across Tamil Nadu.

The department cited court stay orders and the financial burden on temples as the main reasons behind the withdrawal of approvals.

As per the order, administrative sanctions for 29 marriage hall projects estimated at Rs 115.77 crore and 17 commercial complex projects valued at Rs 130.08 crore have been revoked.

Officials said none of the 46 projects had commenced construction despite being announced earlier.

The HR&CE Department said the funds reserved for these projects would now be redirected towards new initiatives aimed at benefiting temples and devotees.

The move marks a change in policy regarding the utilisation of temple funds, with the government focusing on temple welfare and religious infrastructure instead of the previously approved commercial and community development projects.