JOIN USTemples told to tighten security measures
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim has directed the temples under the Endowment Department to take measures towards tightening the security measures and carrying out development works in temples.
Chairing a meeting on the security of temples at his office hall in Mangaluru on Friday, Ibrahim said that although the authorised staff of temples had been directed to submit the photo catalogue of ornaments and other valuables in the temples, the staff of several temples have not submitted the same.
22 temples submitted
Tahsildar Prabhakar said that out of 40 ‘A’ group temples in the district, 22 had submitted the photo catalogue after carrying out the evaluation of valuables in temples, but as many as 18 temples are yet to submit the catalogue.
The deputy commissioner directed the temple staff to submit the documents before March 30. He said that it is the responsibility of the temples to install all safety equipment such as CCTV cameras, lightning arresters and fire extinguishers on temple premises.
“Basic facilities should be provided to devotees. Physical verification of valuables must be carried out every year, by the temple executive officers,” he instructed, and added, “A proposal has been sent to the government by the district administration towards the appointment of staff in temples. The use of polythene carry bags in temples is restricted as per government notification. Only sealed plastic containers are allowed to be used.”
Complaints
Additional Deputy Commissioner Kumar said that complaints had been filed against those who have availed government grants in the name of non-existing temples.
“Soon after availing the grants, the temples have to prepare a technical estimate towards the amount received, and send the estimate to the district administration. The Public Works Department is the technical authority to sanction the development works. Along with the estimate, the temple authorities need to submit affidavit, RTC, income tax certificate and related documents,” he explained.
Regarding private auditing, he said that as there are only two government auditors in the local audit committee of the district, permission has been given to the temples to conduct the auditing by private auditors through agencies. Tenders have been invited in this regard, he added.
‘Security disappointing’
Superintendent of Police Dr Sharanappa S D said that, while appointing the security personnel to the temples, the temple administration must subject the candidates to police verification.
“The identity of devotees must be verified at temple guest houses,” he added. He also expressed his dissatisfaction about the temples not undertaking serious measures to provide better security by CCTV camera installation on temple premises.
DCP Shantharaju and MCC Joint Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak were present among others.