TN: Temple employees to observe fast

Tiruchirapalli, Dec 21: Members of the Confederation of Tamil Nadu Temple Employees will observe a token fast in Chennai on December 27 to draw the state government's attention towards their long pending demands.

In a statement here today, confederation state secretary G Sampath demanded gratuity for all the temple employees and provision of pension from January one, 2008.

Mr Sampath said the government should go by the Madras High Court order that the temple employees should be given concessions and other benefits on par with employees of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department.

He also wanted the government to increase the family benefit fund from Rs 75,000 to 1.5 lakh for the families of those who died while in service.

UNI