Historical decision or blunder Temples in Karnataka were managed and run by Temple committees for centuries.It is possible that these committees were Supreme in taking decisions.Whether these funds were applied properly to maintenance of the institutions and its devotees is a matter of conjecture..Why did the Govt take over only Hindu Temple wealth money only in Karnataka ,in a secular country and not that of the mosques, Gurdwara, waqt Boards, Churches etc. NOW does the Govt apprehends that BJP which ruled Karnataka over longest periods has been found wanting, under a cloud of doubts in accountability? The grouse is that such funds should be specially deployed for its development and Hindu Community and not allotted to any welfare measure not related to its maintenance and its Hindu community.Why does Congress feel that it is historical blunder and threat to opose it? When the bill comes for discussions and debates ,ammendments can be suggested to plug the loopholes of misuse or personal welfare, disguised in any manner The committee should be responsible to the Trust of the Temple, which is competent to scrutinize monitor and sanction . It is absurd that Govt alone can be trusted and not anyone else in the deployment of funds. The Temple wealth and funds are a milk cow for Govt to use it as and where it desires ,not necessarily for the purpose of specific Temple or community around There is apprehension and rightly so under present Govt that the committees will be loaded with RSS men to manipulate the process and thus misuse the funds to promote other Hindu programmers anywhere for the benefit of Hindu Community in general.Checks and balances can be introduced to address any fears Safeguards can be built in regarding appointment, tenure, emoluments and the accounting, and audit process can be streamlined .With best of measures and intentions, where large amounts of donations pour in regularly there can be scope for mismanagement, forgery cheating etc and this true of any such Trusts and committees.Vigilance is the key of safety, unless there is convince without scrutiny if the whole committee and Trust operating in tandem.If the fence eats the grass it is ultimate rare disaster and not a common occurrence The Temple Trust and committee is definitely more accountable, reliable, subject to local audit for integrity and transparency.
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
