Grants for private temples, mutts increased from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore
The order, dated May 28 and gazetted on June 30, is being seen as a move to streamline funding, end backdoor lobbying, and improve transparency in religious infrastructure grants.
Muzrai department officials say the previous cap was low, and institutions used to lobby a lot to secure grants under different heads, including those meant for govt-controlled temples.
"This led to a lot of audit questions, and we were pulled up by CAG and AG offices for lack of transparency," a senior muzrai department official said.
"So, the govt decided to increase allocations."
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The govt justified the move by saying grant-in-aid limits had not been revised in the past 14 years. It said the cap was revised to address long-pending requests from religious institutions to support "repair, renovation and infrastructure development",
The order outlines 13 specific heads under which private temples can use these funds. These include repair of the sanctum sanctorum, main entrance gates, pillars, compound walls, flagpoles, and devotees' waiting areas.
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Grants can also be used to construct wedding halls and 'dasoha bhavans' (community dining halls), making this the first time such inclusions have been formally allowed under govt aid.
Similarly, mutts across the state will now be eligible for up to Rs 5 crore funds. These grants are for four specific categories: Repair and renovation of mutts and affiliated temples, infrastructure upgrades like toilet blocks and drinking water facilities, shade and parking for devotees, and dining halls.
The govt has imposed strict compliance rules — demanding utilisation certificates (UCs), photographic documentation of progress, and regular audits to ensure accountability.
To prevent misuse, the govt has introduced a staged release mechanism. "Private institutions, temples, or mutts will be sanctioned up to Rs 25 lakh first, and funds thereafter will be provided only after UCs are provided," the order states.
Allocation for muzrai department-controlled temples has also been enhanced. These temples can now receive up to Rs 2.5 crore directly from the department. Anything more than that will need govt approval. The order also provides the muzrai department with expanded autonomy to acquire land and create accommodation and infrastructure even outside Karnataka for the benefit of the state's devotees.
Muzrai minister R Ramalinga Reddy, said: "What we provide is only for our own temples. The remaining funds for private temples and mutts are generally sponsored by the CM from his discretionary fund." He also said the entire grant-in-aid process is overseen by the Chief Minister's Office and will be under their purview.
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