Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, Oct 25: Clarifying the government's stand amid confusing signals emanating from the stand expressed by the government in the high court and processes set into motion by certain government departments in that direction, state minister for muzrai, Rudrappa Manappa Lamani, asserted that there is no proposal before the government to take over administration of temples, Maths and other religious institutions including Sri Ramachandrapur Math, Hosanagar.
The minister was speaking to media persons after taking part in the 49th anniversary function of ascension to the position of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari by Dr Veerendra Heggade held at Dharmasthala on Monday October 24.
"It is true that an individual has filed public interest litigation in the high court about Ramachandrapur Math. The government advocate had provided clarification to high court based on the file pertaining to the case. His reply did not come to either my notice or that of the chief minister. We do not contemplate any intervention in the administration of religious institutions. At the same time, decision about appointment of administrators is left to the discretion of the high court. Recently I met Ramachandrapur Math head at Gangavali, and during this meeting, had spoken to him on this issue," Lamani added.
About proposal to bring legislation to ban superstitions, he said that it has been found practically very difficult to do away with some traditional belief systems in which people have reposed faith since since ages. He felt that the issue is very complicated and delicate, and the current situation feels like poking the beehive. "As many people have faith on certain things, we are carefully examining all the issues," he added.
The minister said that managing committees are being appointed for managing muzrai temples, and that out of 60 temples, the courts have stayed the process in six. "We are taking steps to complete the process soon and also form district religious councils. We will discuss with deputy commissioners and take steps to save grants and use the same for development of facilities at temples," he added. He also said that as opined by Dr Veerendra Heggade, added impetus will be laid on cleanliness in temples.