Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Sep 26: Muzrai minister Ramalinga Reddy clarified that funds from temples, including the famous Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, will not be deposited into the state treasury. He accused the BJP of spreading false propaganda by claiming that temple funds are being diverted to the state government’s guarantee schemes for political gain, despite being fully aware of the facts.

Speaking at a press conference in Mangaluru on Thursday, the minister said the government has no role in the recent hike in service fees at Kateel Temple. “The temple is autonomous in such decisions. There are 398 such autonomous institutions in the state. The BJP is misleading people by linking the Kateel Temple’s service fee revision to the government. The temple’s own administration committee has clarified that the government has no role in this matter,” he said.

Although Kateel Temple comes under the Muzrai department, the government cannot even appoint an administrator there. The administration is entirely vested with the temple’s board. “Even the courts have ruled that the government should not interfere,” Reddy stressed.

Since the enactment of the Religious Council Act in 2003, funds from one temple cannot be used for the development of another, nor can they be transferred to the state treasury, he further explained.

He pointed out that during the BJP’s tenure between 2019 and 2023, service fees of 24 temples were revised. “After our government came to power, 14 temples, including Kukke Subrahmanya, submitted reasons and requested revisions. The department commissioner has approved those revisions,” he added.

The minister also recalled that in 1997, when J H Patel was chief minister, a bill was introduced to establish the State Religious Council, and in 2003, then CM S M Krishna enacted it into law. As per the law, members are appointed to the Religious Councils at both the state and district levels. “There are a total of 398 A- and B-grade temples in the state, each with a president, eight members, and a chief priest,” he informed.

Inauguration of automated driving test track

Ramalinga Reddy also inaugurated a state-of-the-art automated driving test track at Tenkaekre, Mudipu. Spread across 10 acres, the facility aims to strengthen driver training and promote road safety.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said the government is committed to ensuring transparency and discipline in issuing driving licenses. Permits, he emphasized, will be granted strictly on the basis of driving skills and rule compliance, without monetary influence.

The minister added that the new centre is equipped with modern infrastructure, including hostel and food facilities for trainees from outside. Currently, about 40 to 50 candidates are receiving training daily, with each batch accommodating 36 learners. He noted that proper driver education would play a significant role in reducing road accidents.