AP temples with income over Rs 1-cr to be digitised

The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to computerise the details of properties of temples all over the state under its good governance initiative.

Temples with income of over Rs 1 crore will be computerised first and the drive is likely to be completed in six months.

“A uniform software is being developed by the Centre for Good Governance for the purpose. The software will be utilised across the state, in which details such as land, jewellery, “panchaloha” (five metals) idols and other assets owned by temples with names of donors, their value, will be available,” Endowments Minister C Ramachandraiah said here.

However, a thorough physical verification of the assets and other inventory will be undertaken initially by officials concerned and senior endowment officers will have to verify and sign the records.

In order to protect temples from theft and terrorist threat, an electronic surveillance system will be installed in all major temples.  Electronics Corporation of India Ltd has been requested to prepare maps for the major temples on the basis of which security requirements will be assessed during festivals when large numbers of devotees visit.

Keeping in mind earlier experiences where criminals became trust board members of temples, the AP government wants the antecedents of individuals, who want to be on the governing body of temples, to be verified thoroughly to ensure that undeserving persons are not part of temple administration.