TAMIL DEVELOPMENT-CULTURE AND RELIGIOUS ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE ENDOWMENTS ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT DEMAND NO.

45 POLICY NOTE
Introduction:
The proper maintenance and supervision of the temple management and administration of their endowments has been one of the primary responsibilities of the State. Number of measures

have been undertaken prior to the year 1925 for an efficient control and supervision of the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments . By the Act 1 of 1925, the Government constituted the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board consisting of a President and two to four Commissioners, as nominated by the Government to function as a statutory body. Subsequently, Act 1 of 1925 was repealed by the Act 2 of 1927 which was

followed by

several modifications up to 1951.

In order to streamline the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board, Thiru. R.V. Krishna Iyer was appointed as the Special Officer in the year 1940. The Special Officer recommended that the Government might administer the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments instead of the Board. The non-official committee appointed in the year 1942 under the Chairmanship of Thiru P. Venkataramana Rao Naidu, a Retired Judge of the High Court of Judicature, Madras, recommended, among other things that it would be advantageous to convert Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board into a Government Administration. Accepting this recommendation, Charitable Religious provincialising the the Hindu Act,1951 Religious was of the and Hindu Endowments enacted

administration

Institutions. Comprehensive amendments

were made to this Act and Tamilnadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act XXII of 1959 came into force with effect from the 1st January 1960.

ii) With a view to manage the administration of Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments in an excellent manner, it was considered during 1991, that Religious and Spiritual Leaders were to be inducted for the proper maintenance and administration of the Hindu and Jain Temples, the Charitable Endowments and that their suggestions and guidance should be obtained for the better administration of the Charitable Endowments. Accordingly, many Amendments were made to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 22 of 1959. iii) As a result of this, the Amendment Act, 1991 (Amendment Act 46/91) was enacted. As per the amended Act, a two tier system (i.e.) Temple Administration Board at the State level and District Committees at the Districts level was established. This Amendment Act came into force on 13-12-1991. iv) The Government which came to power during 1996, enacted the Amendment Act, of 1996 (Tamil Nadu Amendment Act 39/1996), the Temple Administration Board disbanding and District

Committees and entrusted the administration of Hindu

Religious Institutions with the Commissioner and the Subordinate Officers back as it existed prior to the Amendment Act, 1991 9-12-1996. This Act is in force since

1. Number of Institutions:
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department supervises the administrations of Hindu and Jain Religious Institutions and Hindu Charitable Tamilnadu as detailed below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Temples Mutts Temples attached to Mutts Specific Endowments Charitable Endowments Jain Temples Total Institutions 36,363 56 57 1,721 189 17 38,403 Endowments in

2. Classification of Institutions:
The Religious Institutions have been classified into two categories viz., Non Listed and Listed Institutions on the basis of their annual income as below: Sl. No I. Non-Listed Institutions, Institutions with an annual income of less than Rs.10,000/Listed Institutions : (i) with annual income of more than Rs.10,000/but less than Rs.2.00 lakhs (ii) with annual income of more than Rs.2.00 lakhs but less than Rs. 10.00 lakhs. (iii) with annual income of the more than Rs. 10.00 lakhs. Classification Number of Institutions

34,415

II.

3,397

438

153

Total

38,403

3. Organisational set up:

(A) The Head of the Department is the Commissioner. He is responsible for the General Administration and supervision of the activities of the Department. He is assisted by the following officials in the Head Quarters viz., 1. One Officer on Special Duty (in the cadre of an I.A.S) 2. One Additional Commissioner. 3. One Joint Commissioner ( Head Quarters). 4. One Joint Commissioner ( Tiruppani). 5. Two Personal Assistants to Commissioner in the cadre of Assistant Commissioner. 6. One Assistant Commissioner ( Legal). 7. One Assistant Commissioner ( Verification ) Head Quarters who is also acting as the special officer for Annadhanam scheme The Government have appointed a high level committee to render suggestions for the development of the temple lands and to augment the income from them. An officer in the cadre of I.A.S. has been appointed to organize the above committee works and

to improve the income from temple lands. A special officer in the cadre of a District Revenue officer is also working to assist him. Besides this, four special Thasildhars are also appointed to assist him. Apart from this, another special thasildhar is also appointed to investigate the lands belonging to Arulmigu Sabanayagar Thirukkoil, Chidhambaram. In 2002 the Government appointed a Advisory Committee to regulate the Renovation works and to speed up the Temples. performance of kumbabishegam in An officer in the cadre of the Joint

Commissioner (Thiruppani) has also been appointed to execute the suggestions of the committee and to take proper action. (B) At the Regional and Divisional levels there are 10 Joint Commissioners and 22 Territorial Assistant Commissioners. Besides, there are One Assistant Commissioner for the Icon Centre at Thiruvarur, 9 Assistant Commissioners ( Verification) and One Deputy Commissioner ( Verification) and 629 Executive Officers-right from the cadre of Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer to the Executive

Officer Grade IV

assisting

to

implement the

provisions of the Act and the Rules framed there under. Besides this, two Personal Assistants in the Cadre of Deputy Commissioner assisting Officer of and the Assistant Joint Arulmigu Commissioner are

Commissioner/Executive

Dhandayudthapani swamy Temple, Palani. (C) The Assistant Commissioners (Verification) complemented by the Technical staff, appraise and evaluate the jewels and other valuables belonging to Religious Institutions. (D) A Superintending Engineer and one the and Executive Engineer with the required subordinates, technical Officers and Staff are also assisting Commissioner in preparation of estimates

supervision of Thiruppani and other construction works of the Religious Institutions. (E) A Senior Accounts Officer and an Assistant Accounts Officer deputed from the Treasuries and Accounts Service are in-charge of the Budget and Accounts of the Department.

(F) For Auditing the accounts of the Religious Institutions, there is a Chief Audit Officer deputed from the Finance Department of the Government in the cadre of Deputy Secretary assisted by sufficient subordinate Staff. (G) In February have 1996, women Assistant by direct Commissioners been appointed

recruitment through the Tamilnadu public service commission for the first time. In pursuance of the judgment of The Honourable High court, Madras in W.P.21823/2001 dated 5.6.2002 and the policy decision taken by the Government, Service Rules had been amended to admit appointment of officers in temples. women as the executive As per this amendment one

woman in the cadre of Assistant commissioner and three women in the cadre of Deputy Commissioners were appointed as Executive Officers in temples. Further out of 25 women Executive Officers, recruited by TamilNadu Public Service Commission, there are 23 persons working successfully at temples.

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(H) The entire Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Administration Department at the state level is divided into 10 Regions, and 22 Divisions and each under the jurisdiction of a Joint Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner respectively, as detailed below: Sl. No (1) 1. 2.

Regions
(2) Joint Commissioner, Chennai. Joint Commissioner, Vellore.

Sl. No (3) 1. 2. 3. 4.

Divisions covered
(4) Assistant Commissioner, Chennai Assistant Commissioner, Kancheepuram Assistant Commissioner, Vellore Assistant Commissioner, Thiruvannamalai Assistant Commissioner, Salem Assistant Commissioner, Dharmapuri

3.

Joint Commissioner, Salem.

5. 6.

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4.

Joint Commissioner, Coimbatore

7.

Assistant Commissioner, Coimbatore Assistant Commissioner, Erode Assistant Commissioner, Thanjavur Assistant Commissioner, Nagapattinam Assistant Commissioner, Kumbakonam Assistant Commissioner, Cuddalore Assistant Commissioner, Villupuram Assistant Commissioner, Thiruchirpalli Assistant Commissioner, Ariyalur Assistant Commissioner, Pudukottai

8. 5. Joint Commissioner, Thanjavur. 9. 10.

6.

Joint Commissioner, Mayiladuthurai.

11. 12. 13.

7.

Joint Commissioner, Thiruchirapalli.

14. 15. 16.

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8. 9.

Joint Commissioner, Madurai. Joint Commissioner, Sivagangai.

17. 18. 19.

10

Joint Commissioner, Tirunelveli

20. 21. 22.

Assistant Commissioner, Madurai Assistant Commissioner, Paramakudi Assistant Commissioner, Viruthunagar Assistant Commissioner, Tirunelveli Assistant Commissioner, Tuticorin Assistant Commissioner, Nagercoil

(I)Thus the Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Administration Department totally

consists of 2356 staff members under 52 categories including the Commissioner.

4. Administration of Religious Institutions and Endowments:

Temples are grouped according to their importance, income and properties owned. Executive Officers have been appointed to temples in

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the

categories

of

Joint

Commissioner, Commissioner

Deputy and

Commissioner,

Assistant

Executive Officers Grade I to IV.

The sanctioned

strength in each category is as follows: Sl.No. (1) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Cadre (2) Sanctioned Strength (3) 6 14 27 66 112 250 154 629

Joint Commissioner/E.O
Deputy Commissioner/ E.O Assistant Commissioner/E.O Executive Officer Grade I Executive Officer Grade II Executive Officer Grade III Executive Officer Grade IV Total

5. Administration of Mutts:
Mutts are being governed by Atheenakarthars. In Tamilnadu at present there are 56 Mutts and 19 Specific Endowments attached to them. In order to tone up and streamline the Administration of Mutts and also to scrutinize and

14

sanction their Budgets, a wing consisting of Regional Audit Officer and other staff headed by Joint Commissioner (Head Quarters) 6(18). is functioning. An Amendment has been made during 2003 to section According to this Amendment, Samadhi, Brindavanam and such like institutions are also included as Religious institutions

6. Appointment of Trustees :
(a) Trustees are appointed to the temples and other Religious Institutions in accordance with the provisions of the Act and are permitted to carry out the administration. Out of them, some Religious Institutions are administered by Hereditary Trustees and some are administered by particular communities on the basis of administrative schemes. (b) Non-hereditary Trustees cannot be appointed for 8633 institutions including kattalais which are managed by the Hereditary Trustees and Mutts managed by the Madathipathis and Institutions where cases are pending regarding the Administration. Besides these, there are 29,770

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temples for which Trustees can be appointed. The details regarding the appointment of Trustees for these temples are as follows:Sl. No. Section of the Act Total number of temples for which nonhereditary Trustees could be appointed Number of temples in which nonhereditary Trustees are in office Number of temples for which nonhereditary Trustees are to be appointed Appointin g Authority

1.

49(i)

27221

57

27164 Assistant Commis sioner 2178 Joint Commissioner 258 Commissioner 97 Government 29697

2.

46(i)

2188

10

3. 4.

46(ii) 46(iii) Total

263 98 29770

5 1 73

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(c) (Assistant

Each Revenue District has a District one ex-officio convenor and five non-official Commissioner)

Committee consisting of

members. The District Committee is empowered to prepare the panel of names for the appointment of Non-hereditary trustees for the Non-Listed temples and temples which are listed under 46 (i) and (ii) of the Act. The appointing authority appoint three trustees in is empowered to these cases. The

Government is empowered to appoint trustees for temples which are published under section 46 (iii) of the Act. The Government may also nominate two trustees for all categories of temples.

7. Administration of Religious Institutions Lands :

(A) Details of Lands, Sites and Buildings: All over Tamil Nadu there are 4,78,957.54 acres of lands owned by temples and other religious institutions. They consist of wet, dry and rainfed lands. The details are given below:-

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Type of land
Wet lands Dry lands Rainfed Total

Owned by Temples acres cen ts

1,83,855 2,18,517 20,754 4,23,128 68 57 90 15

Owned by Mutts acres cen ts

21,282 34,543 -55,825 05 15 -20

Total Extent acres

2,05,137 2,53,060 20,754 4,78,953

cen ts
73 72 90 35

The lands are cultivated by 1,03,205 tenants. The temples own 22,599 buildings and 33,627 grounds of sites, which are occupied by 22,776 and 55,225 tenants respectively. (B ) Revenue Court: Revenue Courts headed by Special Deputy Collectors are functioning in the following places to enquire and to settle the cases relating to the recovery of arrears of land lease, eviction. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Thanjavur Thiruchirappali Mayiladuthurai Thiruvarur Cuddalore Madurai fixation of fair rent and

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Besides these, the Revenue Courts have sittings in the following places also:1. Mannarkudi 2. Kumbakonam 3. Salem 33,584 cases have been filed in the Revenue Courts covering a sum of Rs.124.13 crores as arrears from the lease holders. 10537 cases have been disposed off and ordered for collection of a sum of Rs.98.96 crores. Action is being taken to collect the amount. Besides, eviction orders have been issued in respect of 1147 cases, 21900 cases are pending in the Revenue Courts, covering a sum of Rs.25.17 crores. (C) Fixation of Fair rent :Fair rent for the sites and buildings belonging to the religious institutions are to be revised periodically, atleast once in three years by a committee constituted by the Commissioner. The Fair rent is fixed in accordance with the market value of the land and the cost of the building worked out as per the Government Order. The working formula for fair rent fixation was

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ordered on 4.6.1999 and it was kept in abeyance from 27.4.2000. Subsequently the Government has reviewed it and passed orders to implement it with effect from 1.11.2001. Accordingly action has been taken to fix fair rent for the sites and buildings belonging to the temples. So far fair rent has been fixed for 13,236 Buildings and 20,634 House sites. Because of this the Temples income has raised to the tune of Rs.3.62 Crores. Swift action is being taken to fix the fair rent for all the buildings and house sites of the temples.

8. The Rejuvenation Camp for Elephants :

The Rejuvenation Camp was launched on 16.11.2003 on the advice of the Honble Chief Minister, exclusively for the well-being, restoration and rejuvenation of the physical and mental health of the Elephants held in captivity. It had also helped bringing about a harmony between animal, human beings, and the environment. 37 Temple Elephants and 18 Private and Mutt Elephants along with 45 elephants owned by the Forest Department (totaling 100

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elephants) did participate in the camp for 30 days at Mudhumalai Sanctuary. The elephants were provided with intensive medical care, rich nutritious and nourishing diet, exercise and refreshing bath and splashes in a river every day. The Hon'ble Chief Minister has instructed that the rejuvenation camp for the elephants be made an annual routine. The duration of this camp will hereafter be extended to a period of 45 days.

9. Mahamaham:
Every year during the Tamil month of Masi, Maham festival is being celebrated and once in 12 years Mahamaham festival is traditionally being celebrated on a grand scale, at Kumbakonam Town. On the Mahamaham day, 12 Saivite Temple Deities and 5 Vaishnavite Temple Deities were taken in procession to Mahamaham Tank and Cauvery The grand Mahamaham festival took place at Kumbakonam on 6th March 2004 and was celebrated with astounding success. Renovation of these 17 River respectively for the Holy Dip (Theerthawari).

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temples,

16

sannadhis

(Shrines)

around

the

Mahamaha Tank, and the Theerthavari mandapam were taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.111 lakhs. Out of this, renovation works to the value of Rs.60 lakhs were being carried out through Donors, and the balance was met out from the Temple fund and by Government grants. An amount of Rs.44.58 lakhs was sanctioned as Government Grants. Renovation works for all the above Temples were completed, and Kumbabishekams were performed close on the heels of the Mahamaham Festival.

10. Temple Renovation :

In Tamilnadu there are temples sanctified by the immortal verses of the Alwars and Nayanmars. Besides these temples, there are temples of historic and archaeological importance which need proper upkeep and maintenance through renovation. Repairs and Renovation works are undertaken by using the funds from the following sources:-

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Donations from the public are considered to be the outcome of interest shown by the public. In order to encourage the public in the renovation of the temples, financial assistance are given from Government Grant, the Common Good Fund and the Temple Development fund. Out of the total estimate of the works, 75% of the estimate should be funds referred to above. Details of sanctioned amount for Temple Renovation
year No. of No. of Temples works sanctioned Estimate in lakhs Temple fund Govt Grant Public contribution

borne by the public

contribution and the rest may be considered from the

( Rupees in Lakhs)
20012002 20022003 20032004 285 138 142 424 302 364 1715.33 2436.90 2467.92 774.49 1030.81 699.32 108.24 255.70 331.84 832.60 1150.39 1436.76

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Sources of funds for renovation works : i) Donations from the Public.

ii) Funds from the respective Religious Institutions. iii) Diversion of surplus funds from affluent temples. iv) Government Grant. v) Common Good Fund. vi) Temple Development Fund. vii) Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund. viii) Village Temples Renovation Fund.

(a) Donations from the Public:

The religious minded philanthropists, industrialists, trusts and the general public are voluntarily donating cash or kind to the temples to carryout the renovation works.

(b) Diversion of surplus funds from affluent temples:

With the approval of the Commissioner, funds are provided to the needy temples from the temples having surplus funds under Section 36 of Tamil Nadu

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Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, for renovation works.

(c) Government Grant :

Every year in the Budget allocation for this Department, the Government have been funds for temple renovation works. During the year 2003-2004, a sum of rupees 75 lakhs was released for Temple Renovation works, as Government grant. Further, an amount of Rs. 25,000/- per temple is given as Government Grant for renovation works for temples situated in the habitation of Adi-Dravidas and Backward Class people which are not under the control of this Department. Financial assistance of Rs. 12.50 lakhs is given to 50 temples every year under this Scheme as Government grant. During the year 2002-2003 also a sum of Rs. 12.50 lakhs was given to 50 Temples. For the Current financial year the Government has proposed to release Rs.31.25 Lakhs for 125 Temples under Part II Scheme. providing

25

(d ) Common Good Fund :

Under Section 97 of Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, the Commissioner has been authorised to create a Common Good Fund, out of the contributions voluntarily made by the Religious Institutions or by individuals for the purpose of renovation and preservation of the temples. Amounts are sanctioned from this fund for temple renovation and their maintenance. Under this scheme, 2003-2004 a sum of rupees released for 26 temples. during the year 48.67 lakhs was

(e) Temple Development Fund:

A corpus fund of Rs. 5 crores has been created by way of diversion of surplus funds from affluent temples. The interest accrued thereon periodically is utilized with prior permission of Government for the renovation of temples which are historically important, ancient in nature and sanctified by the spiritual verses of Nayanmars and Alwars. This fund is administered by the Commissioner. Under this Scheme, for the

26

year

2003-2004 a sum of rupees 23.70 lakhs was From this fund, Rs.1200/-per Temple is being

released to 6 temples. given to the needy temples under Orukala pooja scheme.

(f ) Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund:

(i) A fund in the name of Chief Ministers Temple Renovation and Maintenance Fund, was created on 5-8-1991 by our Honble Chief Minister by donating a sum of Rs. 1,08,000/- from her own fund in order to preserve our Temples which reflect our rich tradition, culture and heritage. Further, donations have been received to this fund from service minded philanthropists and also from the public. The name of this fund has been changed as Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund. (ii) Financial assistance is given from this fund to the ancient temples which were sanctified and sung by Alwars and Nayanmars, having historical fame and also noted for their importance for art and architecture.

27

(iii) Further, financial assistance is provided from this fund to temples at the rate of Rs.1300/- for each temple to set up a deposit for performing Oru Kala Pooja. (iv) created A corpus fund of Rs. 1 crore has been for the and upkeep and maintenance temples of in unincorporated

Incorporated

Kanniyakumari District. accrued there from.

A financial assistance of

Rs.14 lakhs is provided every year out of the interest

(v) Further, an amount of Rs.25,000/- per temple is given out of this fund to undertake renovation works in the temples situated in the habitation of Adi-Dravidars and Backward classes which are not under the control of this Department. Under this scheme, financial assistance at the rate of Rs.25,000/- per temple is given to 50 temples, to the tune of Rs.12.50 Lakhs.

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11. Financial Assistance to Temples in AdiDravidars and Backward classes Residential areas, which are not under the Control of this Department :
Under this Scheme every year financial assistance for 100 temples at the rate of Rs.25,000/per temple is given. So far 500 temples have been benefitted under this scheme. In the year 2003-2004, 6000 temples which are not under the control of this department were identified to be renovated. It has been programmed to expedite the action to renovate 6000 temples situated in Adi Dravidas and Backward Class habitats at Rs.25,000/- per temple amounting to Rs.15 Crores.

12. Village Temple Renovation Scheme :

In Tamilnadu, for those temples which are under the control of this department and situated in villages, a sum of Rs.25,000/-is given for renovation works from the interest accrued from the corpus fund of Rs.2 Crores deposited by A/m. Dhandayudhapani Swamy Temple, Palani. In 2003-2004, financial

29

assistance of Rs.25 lakhs has been disbursed to 100 temples.

13. Peformance Temples:

every

of

Kumbabishegam in

(1) Kumbabhisegam has to be performed for temple once in 12 years according to the temples are classified under Agamas . Generally

three categories for taking up renovation work viz., (a) Temples which have been sanctified by devotional songs of Alwars and Nayanmars. (b) Temples which are of historic and Tourist importance. (c) Temples requiring immediate renovation and also where the Kumbabhisekams have to be performed within 12 years as per the Agamas. (To perform Ashtabandana Kumbabishegam for Moolasthana moorthy which are without Ashtabandana marundhu) (2) In Tamil Nadu, there are number of temples which have been spiritual sanctified by the devotional and of the Nayanmars and songs

Manglasasanam by Alwars. Besides these there are

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also many ancient and big temples. Action is being taken to undertake renovation works in all the renowned and ancient temples which remain as the symbol of art and culture in Tamil Nadu to perform Kumbabhisegam within a period of three years. During the year 2003-2004 Kumbabhisegam has been performed for 705 temples.

14. Renovation works in Temple Tanks:

The temples under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department own several tanks. Of these, 1158 tanks need renovation. The temple tanks have to be renovated, to conduct regular float festivals and to meet the drought conditions. following ways:i) ii) iii) iv) v) Removing encroachments in and around the temple tanks; Putting up fencing or parapet walls around the temple tanks; Desilting and dredging; Connecting storm water drains with temple tanks; Repairing the steps leading to the tanks. Action is being taken for conservation and renovation of temple tanks in the

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During the tanks were

year 2003-2004 ,

757 temple being

renovated . Speedy action is

taken to renovate all the other temple tanks.

15. Preservation Temple Cars:

and

Maintenance

of

There are 823 wooden Temple cars owned by the temples. Out of these, 147 temple cars are to be repaired. Steps are being taken to preserve and maintain these cars. In order to protect temple cars steps have been taken to provide fireproof metal sheet sheds, iron axles and wheels, periodical maintenance and insurance coverage for the value of the temple Cars. With a view to involve public in this, temple car repair works are undertaken by utilising their contributions also. During the year 2002-2003,

33 temple cars were repaired and put in use. In 2003-2004, 60 temple cars were repaired and put in use. During the last Assembly Session, announcement was made to renovate cars of 10 Temples. Out of which renovation of 2 temple cars have been completed. 7 temple car works are in

32

progress and for the remaining one car administrative sanction has been given to renovate the same thro' donor and the work is being started.

16. Amenities For Pilgrims :

(a) Drinking water facilities at temples :Action has been taken to provide drinking water in all the temples for the use of devotees. Steps have been taken to supply the purified water in the needy places. During the year 2003-2004, 2091 temples were covered under this scheme. (b) Toilet facilities: Action has been taken to provide the modern toilet facilities for the convenience of the devotees visiting temples and also to provide separate toilets for men and women. Under this scheme, during the year 2003-2004, 272 temples were covered. (c) Cottages, Rooms, Cloak Rooms etc: Action is being taken to provide adequate number of Cottages, Rooms, Dormitories, Cloak Rooms, Parking facilities, etc. to cater to the needs of pilgrims wherever necessary.

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17. Oru Kala Pooja Scheme:

Oru Kala Pooja Scheme was drawn up to ensure performance of atleast one pooja every day in temples which have no resources even to perform such one time pooja. A sum of Rs.25,000/- is deposited permanently in the name of the Temple. The corpus is created for each temple by collecting donation of Rs.2,500/from general public, Rs.20,000/- by diversion from the surplus funds of financially sound temples, Rs.1,300/- from the Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund and Rs.1,200/- from the Temple Development Fund. accruing on the above corpus. Arrangement is Accordingly 9792 made to perform oru kala pooja daily from the interest temples have been benefitted till March 2004. This Government have decided that orukala pooja should be performed in all such temples which are not able to perform even orukala pooja. During the year 20032004, 90 temples have been benefitted under this scheme.

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18. Safety of Icon and Other Valuables:

The Government have taken all possible measures to prevent thefts in temples. Various foolproof arrangements such as burglar alarms, tell-tale appointment of Constables the installation of clocks, Special thotti locks,

fixing iron gates , appointment of night watchman, Ex-serviceman and Second Grade Temple Protection Force, and formation of Village implemented in the Wing in the Icon thefts through

formation of Icon Centres

Vigilance committee are being police are in charge of temples, 1.

temples. Both the local police and the Idol detecting The Department is maintaining

Centres at the following Places: Thiruvarur Icon Protection Centre, Thiruvarur (Arulmighu Thiyagarajaswamy Thirukkoil Complex, Thiruvarur) Arulmighu Akilandeswari Jambukeswarar Thirukoil, Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruchirapalli. Arulmighu Meenakshisundareswarar Thirukoil, Madurai Arulmighu Kanthimathi Udanurai Nellaiappar Thirukkoil , Thirunelveli Arulmighu Sugavaneswarar Thirukkoil, Salem.

2. 3. 4. 5.

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3188 Icons are kept in Icon Protection Centres. Further, action has been taken to construct Icon Rs.120 Lakhs have Centres at Kancheepuram, Thiruvannamalai, Vellore, Kumbakonam and Cuddalore. been allotted under Part II Scheme to construct Icon centres at Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai and Sivagangai during 2004-2005 financial year.

19. Temple Protection Force:

With a view to protect the Icons, Jewels, Hundials and other valuables in temples throughout the State, a separate wing called the Temple 1000 Protection Force has been constituted with 1000 Police Constables and 3000 Ex-Serviceman. Grade II Constables and 2778 Ex-Servicemen

appointed by the Police Department are in place at present. These personnel are attached to the local Police Stations. So far, these Security Personnel have been deployed in 2751 temples in the state.

20. Karunai illams:

Karunai Illams have been started in the Temples which are functioning under the Hindu

36

Religious and Charitable Endowments Department in order to provide food, shelter and education to the destitute boys and girls. There are 42 Karunai Illams functioning through 37 temples. Through them, 893 boys and 461 girls, totally 1354 are being benefitted. Fifty percent of the expenditure for these Karunai Illams is met from the concerned temple funds. The rest is met through the grant from the Social Welfare Department. The Government grants given during last few years are as follows: year 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 Government Grant Utilised Rs.43,39,255/Rs.46,97,027/Rs.50,74,487/Rs.46,96,000/Rs.46,53,000/Rs.76,15,000/-

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21. Educational and other Institutions maintained by Temples:

With the social aim of imparting knowledge and training to the students from their childhood, the practices necessary for maintaining discipline, culture and religious principles, besides general education, the temples are running schools, colleges and padasalas .These details are as follows:(a) Educational Institutions .. (1) Colleges .. (2) Polytechnics .. (3) Higher Secondary Schools .. (4) High Schools .. (5) Middle Schools .. (6) Elementary Schools .. (7) Matriculation School .. (8) Nagaswaram and Thavil Training Schools .. (9) Veda Agama Padasalas .. (10)Thevara Padasalas .. (11) Dhivya Prabhandha Padasala .. (12) Deaf and Dumb School .. (b) Social Service Institutions: (1) Siddha Hospitals .. (2) Allopathy Hospitals .. (3) Karunai Illams .. (4) Old Age Homes .. Total 5 2 12 10 3 10 1 4 4 2 3 1 9 2 42 3 -------113

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22. Free Marriages in Temples:

There is a scheme for conducting free marriages to the poor and needy weaker section of the Hindu people in society, through the temples having surplus funds. Under this scheme,a sum of Rs.5500/is sanctioned for every marriage. Accordingly free marriages are being conducted in the affluent temples every year. This free marriages hitherto conducted elsewhere in the temples, were consolidated and conducted for 1053 couples at a time at Tiruverkadu on 18.6.2003 in the presence of the Hon`ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. In that free marriage function, 719 Adi Dravida couples, 22 Scheduled Tribes couples, 165 Most Backward Class couples, 144 Backward Class couples and 3 other community couples have been benefitted.

23. Annadhanam Scheme:

As announced by His excellency the Governor of Tamilnadu in 2002-2003 budget session, Annadhana Scheme was inaugurated by the Hon`ble

39

Chief Minister on 23.3.2002 in selected Temples in Tamilnadu. Introduced in 63 Temples in first phase now it has been extended to 171 Temples In all Temples,wherein annadhana scheme is in force, moral and spiritual classes for the children are organised through scholars on every Sunday. A book called ``khztfSF nghjid`` has been

prescribed for the purpose. In order to continue the above Annadhana scheme without any break a deposit of Rs.15000/- has been received from the public and a separate Endowment Fund created. From the interest accrued from the deposit, Annadhanam will be provided on any day in a year fixed by the donor. A sum of Rupees 2,57,20,407/- has been collected upto 31.3.2004 as Endowments Deposit. A, G.O. has been issued to create scheme, Rupees Twenty Crores corpus fund for the Annadhana so as to give financial assistance to the needy temples out of the interest accrued from the corpus fund. The beneficiaries as on 30.6.2004 are 1,36,94,293 under Annadhanam Scheme and the

40

beneficiaries for the moral instructions classes are 4,21,294 as on 30th June 2004.

24. Archanai in Tamil:

A Committee consisting of spiritual leaders from both saivaite and vaishnavite and reputed scholars in Tamil has been constituted to provide necessary suggestions to streamline the worship in Tamil in the temples and the following Archana books in Tamil have been published. Books of 108 potri: 1. Arulmighu Vinayagar potri 2. Arulmighu Murugavel potri 3. Arulmighu Sivan potri 4. Arulmighu Thirumal potri 5. Arulmighu Thenmugakkadavul potri 6. Arulmighu Nataraja potri 7. Arulmighu Umayammai potri 8. Arulmighu Kothandaramar potri 9. Arulmighu Thayar potri 10. Arulmighu Durgai Amman potri 11. Arulmighu Kaliamman potri 12. Arulmighu Mariamman potri 13. Arulmighu Anuman potri 14. Arulmighu Nava Kolgal potri. Book of 1008 potri: Arulmighu Vinayagar Pottri Book has been published

41

25. Shekkizhar Vizha:

A corpus fund for Rs. 5 lakhs was created from the surplus funds of the temples in order to celebrate Divine Saint Shekkizhar Vizha every year. The above vizha is being celebrated in a grand manner utilising the interest amount accrued from the above corpus. Rs.29,000/- has been spent in May 2003 for shekkizhar vizha.

26. Thirugnana Sambandar Isai Vizha :

In memory of Thirugnana Sambandar one of the spiritual Nayanmars, a music festival in His name is being at conducted by the Hindu Religious and Vedagiriswarar Temple, Charitable Endowments Administration Department Arulmighu Thirukazhukundram since 2001. The expenditure for this festival is being met from the Commissioners Common Good Fund. In the year 2003 a sum of Rs.15,000/- has been spent for Isai vizha.

42

27. Avvai Vizha:

Arulmighu Temple Avvaiyar and Viswanathaswamy is under situated at Thulasiyapattinam village of

Vedaraniyam Taluk, Nagapattinam District

the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Action has been taken to conduct the Avvai Vizha at the above Village, as a Government function through the Hindu Religiious and Charitable Endowment Administration Department and a Government Order has been issued to that effect.

28. Cable Car at Palani :

To fulfill the longstanding demand and need of the devotees of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani, the Government has approved a scheme to instal a cable car service and tender was approved for a sum of Rupees 388.41 lakhs. 90% of works have been done. Speedy action is being taken to complete the work early.

43

29. Girivala Pathai at Palani :

To fulfill another longstanding wishes of the devotees of the Palani Temple, action has been taken to provide Girivala Pathai on the lines of Tiruvannamalai Thirukoil Girivala Pathai. The works under this scheme have been completed.

30. Thalavaralaru and Thalapuranam :

Thalavaralaru and Thalapuranam books are being published for the public to know the history, special features, glories, historical importance, stone inscriptions of the temples and mythology of each temples. So far and for 739 1960 2 Pillai Thalavaralaru Tamizh of and 9 2 Thalapuranams also year been taken

Kalampagams have been published. the publication

Action has more been

Thalavaralaru and Thalapuranam books. During the 2003-2004, Thalavaralaru have published. Action is being taken to publish folders on important temples in all districts.

44

31. Publication of Agama and other books in Tamil :

(i) As a first venture, Uthrakamiga Agama Book which Originally is in Sanskrit language was translated into Tamil and published, so as to enable the public to understand Agama Sastras. As demanded by the public, action has been initiated to re-print and publish the same at the earliest. (ii) Action is being taken to publish Aalaya Nirmana Bimba Lakshana Silpa Nool in Tamil. (iii) Action is being taken to publish Grama Poosarigal Vazhipattu Payirchi Nool in Tamil, so as to know the practices of worship by village poosaries. (iv) Action has been taken to publish Kumara

Thanthiram in Tamil. It is under print and the same

will be published shortly. (v) The book Indhu Matha Inaippu Villakkam . has been republished. (vi) The book been republished. Saivamum Vainavamum has

45

32. Publication of Thirukoil Magazine :

A monthly magazine in the name of Thirukoil is published by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department since 1958. Eminent scholars regularly write articles on Hindu Religious temples and spirituality in this magazine. The Cost of a single copy is Rs.10/-. The Annual Subscription for this magazine is Rs.120/- and life term subscription costs Rs. 1500/-. At present monthly 4000 copies are being circulated.

33. Recognition of Chartered Engineers :

Considering the delay experienced in the preparation of estimates for Temple Thiruppani works, Engineers who are retired from Highways and Public Works Department are recognised and approved as Chartered Engineers. The Chartered Engineers 72 recognised by this Department are permitted to prepare estimates required by the temples. Chartered Engineers have been recognised so far.

46

34. Recognition of Sthapathis:

Stapathis are rendering their assistance while the temples carry out Thiruppani works to ensure that the structural designs of Temples are as per Agama Sasthras and also render help to carry out these works with artistic workmanship. These works are being examined and monitored by an officer appointed in the cadre of Superintending Engineer as Stapathi Advisor. Further, in order to render assistance in preparing the estimates, Degree and Diploma holders in temple architecture and sculpture and persons in this field hereditarily are recognised and approved as stapathis to assist in Temple Thiruppani.

35. Appointment of Sthapathis:

To ensure the structural designs and estimates of Temple renovation regions as infra. as per the Agamic principles, the Government decided to appoint Sthapathis in 5 The Sthapathy will get monthlyInitially the said consolidated payment of Rs. 4000/-. This amount will be met by affluent temples.

47

appointments has been made only for three years on contract basis. Sl. No Head Quarters Joint Commissio ners Region covered 1. Chennai 2. Vellore Pay disbursing Temple

1.

Chennai

1. Arulmighu Subramaniyaswamy Temple, Thiruthani 2.Arulmighu Devi Karumariyamman Temple,

Thiruverkadu.
2. Madurai 1. Madurai 2. Sivagangai 1. Arulmighu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai 2. Arulmighu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram. 3. Arulmighu Dhandayutha swamy Temple, Palani.

48

3.

Thiruchirapalli

1.Thiruchirapalli 2.Thanjavur 3.Mayiladu thurai 1. Coimbatore 2. Salem

4.

Coimbatore

5.

Thirunelveli

Thirunelveli

1. Arulmighu Mariyamman Temple, Samayapuram 2.Arulmigu Aranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam. 1. Arulmighu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Marudhamalai 2. Arulmighu Bannari Mariyamman Temple, Bannari 1. Arulmighu Subramaniyaswamy Temple, Thiruchendur 2. Arulmighu Sankaranarayanaswamy Temple, Sankarankoil

36. Special Worship and Common Feast :

Special worship and common feasts are organised every year in affluent temples on Independence day and Perarignar Annas memorial

49

day in which public from all communities are participating without any discrimination. During the year 2003-2004, special worship and common feast has been organised.

37. Refresher course:

In order to enable the Archakas, Battacharyas and Odhuvars working in Temples to perform their duties effectively Refresher Course was started in the year 1991 and being continued in Temples. It has been decided to reactivate this scheme so as to remove the slackness noticed in the recent past. Action has been taken to conduct refresher courses in selected important temples under the jurisdiction of each Assistant Commissioner. During the year 20022003, the Refresher Courses have been conducted for 3 months in 54 temples in various districts of the State. From 2.3.2003 the refresher courses have been conducted in 23 Temples. The details of beneficiaries are as follows:

50

Sl.No. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Category Odhuvar Archagar (Saivaite) Battachariyar (Vaishnavite) Poosarigal Total beneficiaries

Number of beneficiaries 49 330 105 4 488

38. Appointment of Nadhaswara Musicians in Temples:

Considering the decreasing trend of performing Nagaswara Isai during daily poojas and festivals due to paucity of funds in the ancient and historically famous temples which were sanctified by saints, action has been taken to appoint Nagaswaram, Thavil and Thala musicians and to pay Rs.1500/- Rs.1000/and Rs.750/- respectively from the interest of Department. the corpus of one crore created for this purpose by this 6 nadhaswaram, 4 thavil and 1 thalam totally 11 persons are benefitted under this scheme.

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39. Appointment of Tamil Pulavars :

150 Tamil Pulavars have been appointed for recital and rendering of Thirumurai hymns, and Divyaprabhandhams, chanting religious

discourses, to propagate religious messages and to publish Thala Varalaru and Thala Puranam in affluent temples and to maintain libraries. They are paid a consolidated salary of Rs.1500/- per month from the funds of the concerned temples.

40. Temple Employees:

In Tamilnadu, 37819 regular Employees are working in different category of posts in the Hindu and they are Religious and Charitable Institutions

paid in cash or kind or both. Out of the total strength, 4751 regular employees are working in the financially sound institutions managed by the Executive Officers in the cadre of Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners. Following welfare schemes are temple servants: 1. Contributory Provident Fund 2. Family Benefit Fund implemented for

52

3. Special Provident Fund 4. Temple Servant Benefit Scheme 5. Pension Scheme 6. Payment of ex-gratia 7. Marriage advance 8. Vehicle Advance 9. Medical Allowance 10. Washing Allowance 11.Festival Advance 12.Leave Concessions 13.House Rent Allowance 14. Special Pay for Typist 15.30% increase of pay to consolidated paid servants 16. City Compensatory Allowance 17. Selection Grade and Special Grade 18. Compassionate appointment (1) Contributory Provident Fund : Every Religious Institutions where the annual income is Rs.10,000/- or more shall introduce for the benefit of its employees a Contributory Provident Fund Scheme. Every subscriber shall subscribe monthly to the fund. The amount of subscription shall not be less

53

than 12 percent of his emoluments. the subscriber.

The Religious

Institution shall contribute 12 percent to the account of

(2) Family Benefit Fund Scheme:

This Scheme was introduced with a view to help the families of the Temple Employees who Under this Scheme a happen to die in harness.

financial assistance of Rs. 75,000/- is being given to the Legal heirs of the Deceased Employees. For this scheme a corpus fund with Rupees five crores has been created by diversion from the temples having surplus fund. This scheme is implemented out of the interest accrued on that deposit. During the year 2003-2004 a sum of Rs. 68.50 lakhs was disbursed for 104 families.

(3) Special Provident Fund Scheme:

The Special Provident Fund Scheme was created for the Employees who are working in Temples having an annual income of Rs.1 lakh and above. For this scheme, a fixed deposit of Rs.8 lakhs has been created from the surplus fund of the

54

temples. Under this scheme, the contribution paid by the member-employee is disbursed to him at the time of his retirement with the accrued interest thereon through the temple and in addition to that a sum of Rs. 1000/- is also disbursed to him from the Department.

(4) Temple servants Benefit Scheme:

The Temple Servants Benefit scheme was introduced for the benefit of the employees whose monthly salary is less than Rs.400/- and working in the temples with an annual income of less than Rs.40,000/-. Under this scheme, the pay arrears, if any of the temple servants are paid by the department. A sum of Rs.1 crore from the surplus fund of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Palani has been set apart as Corpus Fund for this purpose. The interest accruing thereon is being utilized for implementing this scheme every year. A sum of Rs.18,21.647/- has been disbursed to 718 employees working in 488 temples. Due to the decrease in the rate of interest on the deposit in the bank and the expenditure towards

55

the disbursement of the salary arrears are increasing an additional corpus fund of Rs. 4 Crores have been sanctioned as diversion of the surplus fund of affluent temples and thereby raising the corpus fund to Rs.5 crores.

(5) Pension Schemes:

(a) Odhuvars, Archakas and others A sum of Rs. 500/- per month is given to the Odhuvars, Kalaingnar, 60. The following personalities namely Archakas (saivam & Vaishnavam) Odhuvar, vedhparayanam, divyaprapandam recitation, Araiyar and Isai kalaingnar who had served in the temples under the control of this Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment department and retired, have been permitted by the government to receive pension. Details of pensioners as follows: Archakas, Vedhaparayanar, Divyaprapandam Paduvore, Araiyars and Isai who have served for 20 years in temples and retired on superannuation at the age of

56

Sanctioned Strength :
Sanctioned Total Odhuvar Vedham/ Isai Arch Grand Prapandam/ Kalain akar Total Araiyar gnar 125 59 125 691 1000

Pensioners:
Year of Sanction Up to 20002001 20012002 20022003 20032004 Total Odhuvar Isai Arch Grand Vedham/ Kalain akar Total Prapangnar dam/ Araiyar 117 43 99 591 850 6 2 2 127 1 0 1 45 8 8 -115 67 21 27 706 82 31 30 993

(b) Village Temple poojaries Pension Scheme: The Government have issued orders for the grant of pension to Poojaries at the rate of Rs. 500/per month each for those who have retired at the age of 60 on superannuation after working for a period of not less than 20 years in Temples which do not come

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under the administrative control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department in Tamilnadu. follows: Year Up to 2000-2001 In 2001-2002 In 2002-2003 2003-2004 Total (6) Ex-gratia Payment: The temple employees who are expected to work more during Kumbabhisegam and annual festivals used to get consolidated exgratia payment every year. During the year 2001-2002 the exgratia amount was raised as one month basic pay to the employees. Sanctioned strength 1500 1000 -500 3000 Pension Beneficiers 1418 366 348 353 2485 The details of the pensioners are as

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(7) Marriage Advance: The temple employees are eligible to get an advance of Rs. 6000/- and Rs. 10000/- for marriages of their son and daughter respectively. (8) Vehicle Advance: The Temple employees are eligible to get Rs. 20,000/-as advance towards the purchase wheeler. (9) Medical Allowance: Rs. 50/- per month is paid Allowance to the temple employees. (10) Washing Allowance: Rs. 10/- per month is paid to uniformed employees as washing allowance. (11) Festival Advance: Rs. 1000/- is sanctioned as festival advance. as Medical of two the

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(12) Leave Concessions: a) Earned Leave: The temple employees are eligible to earn 30 days per year and are permitted to surrender 15 days per year in lieu of cash. b) Medical Leave: 240 days of Medical Leave is eligible for an employee through out his/her service.

c) Maternity Leave:
A women employee can avail Maternity Leave. 60 days as

d) Encashment of Earned Leave on retirement:

An employee can encash 60 days of earned leave on his /her retirement. (13) House Rent Allowance: The employees are eligible to get House Rent Allowance as per their pay scale and place of work as detailed below:

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Scale of pay of Temple Employees (in Rupees) Working place Grade I (A):Chennai City and surrounding area within 32 km radius Grade - 1(B) :Coimbatore, Madurai and surrounding area within the 16 km radius Grade II :Other cities and the area situated within 8 km radius Grade III : Towns Other places. upto 1600 250 1601 to 2200 280 2201 to 5300 340 5301 to 7000 400 7001 to 10000 500

144

200

250

300

360

120

150

180

220

270

80 60

100 70

120 80

150 90

190 100

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(14) Special Pay for Typists: The Typists who are qualified both in Tamil and English in Higher Grade are eligible to get a sum of Rs. 80/- as Special Pay per month. Those who are having one Higher Grade and another in Lower Grade Pay . (15) Increased pay to consolidated pay Employees: Pay has been increased by 30% for the employees who receive consolidated pay. (16) City Compensatory Allowance: Temple employees are sanctioned City Compensatory and Village Allowance as follows:(i) Employees of Temples administered by the Executive Officers in the cadre of Joint Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Temples
Basic Pay Chennai Rs. Corporations Rs. Others Rs.

either in English or

in Tamil

respectively are eligible to get Rs. 60/- as Special

Upto Rs.3200/Above Rs.3200/-

80.00 110.00

40.00 60.00

20.00 20.00

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(ii) Other Temple Employees Basic Pay Upto Rs.1600/Above Rs.1600/Town Rs. 50.00 70.00 Village Rs. 35.00 45.00

(17) Selection Grade and Special Grade: The employees of the temples who have completed 10 years or 20 years of service as on 15.10.1997 or thereafter can get their pay on Special Grade and Selection Grade respectively. (18) Appointment on compassionate Ground: Appointment on compassionate ground was introduced with a view to help any of the legal heirs of temple employee who happened to die while in service. Under this scheme in the year 2003-2004, 16 legal heirs have been given appointment.

Part II Scheme:
Funds have been allocated for the following schemes under Part II Scheme for the financial year 2004-2005:

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Sl.No Scheme 1. Repair of the Office building and the residence of the Assistant Commissioner, Nagercoil Construction of a new building for the Assistant Commissioner Office at Kumbakonam. Purchase of 5 computers with accessories to the Commissioner Office. Purchase of Racks Commissioner Office use. for

Allocated Amounts (in Lakhs) 6.15

2.

18.40

3.

2.50 2.00

4. 5.

Construction of Icon centres at Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai and Sivagangai. Renovation of 125 Temples in the habitats of Adi-Dravidars.

120.00 31.25

6.

Conclusion:
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department is entrusted with the sacred responsibility of the management of temples and

64

performance of Poojas and Festivals in the temples according to custom and usage of the respective temples taking particular care to preserve the aesthetic and architectural feature of ancient temples intact. The Government is taking earnest efforts to streamline the temple administration and to ensure effective administration, proper maintenance of temples and undertaking renovation in needy temples, besides observance of worship rituals in temples. The Government is also taking efforts to ensure that no Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments Administration Department controlled temple goes without performing pooja. The Officers and members of staff of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department rededicate themselves to provide a more honest, effective and efficient service. P.C. RAMASAMY, MINISTER FOR HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT.