Muzrai dept to introduce new bill to develop Hindu temples

Bangalore, June 28 (UNI) Karnataka Muzrai Minister B Nagaraja Shetty today said the department proposed to bring in a new bill for the proper development of Hindu temples in the coming months.

Talking to reporters here, he said a Committee had been appointed to study the present status of 42,000 Hindu temples in the State.

The Committee was expected to submit its report to the government in the next three months, based on which the bill would be framed, he added.

The present Act had several restrictions on diversion of funds from rich temples to non-revenue earning temples, he noted.

Mr Shetty said the bill would envisage to make the temples cultural centres for youth, provide basis amenities and recruit more Dalits for performing rituals in temples.

Regarding the diversion of Netravati waters to the drought-hit districts of the State, he said the people of the coastal districts were against the diversion of the river and not against diversion of surplus water to the water-starved districts. The diversion of Netravati river would deprive the people of Dakshina Kannada of water for irrigation and drinking water.

The Minister said there was a proposal to link all the West flowing rivers of the coastal region and provide surplus water to other districts at a cost of Rs 600 crore.

UNI