Bengaluru: Speaking at the state-level convention of Akhila Karnataka Hindu Temples – Archaks, Agamiks and Upadivants Federation in Benglaluru on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promised to hike the honorarium given to priests in ‘C’ category Muzrai temples up to Rs 50,000 per year.
Currently the priests draw an honorarium of Rs 100 per day which amounts up to Rs 36,000 per year. The priests have been demanding that the daily honorarium be revised to Rs 250 amounting to Rs 90,000 a year.
Siddaramaiah said, “It will be difficult to double the amount. At present, model code of conduct is in force in the wake of elections to south-east teachers’ constituency. I will announce the hike in the coming days.”
Further he also expressed his displeasure over the practice of not allowing entry to people of certain castes and also women being followed in several temples. Saying that this practice is not right, he asked officials in the Muzrai department to ensure that action is taken in this matter.
Muzrai Minister Rudrappa Lamani said that rules had been framed for the transfers and retirement of priests. However, they have not been implemented and priests have opposed the rules. A Cabinet sub-committee will be set up for suggesting changes to the rules,” he said.
The minister also promised life insurance for priests and temple staff and construction of ‘Archakara Bhavana’ in Bengaluru.
