Display 'shrines open for all' boards, Muzrai temples told

The temples under Muzrai department in the district will have to display boards with the message that the place of worship is open for people belonging to all castes and communities.

Addressing a Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Awareness and Supervisory Committee meeting here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner D Randeep said a few temples in the district has restricted entry for the people belonging to deprived classes. To eradicate the menace, the district administration has taken a step in this regard and has directed the temple authorities to display the boards on the premises before May 20.
 
He also directed the officials to display the contact number of the control room in the board to enable the public to alert the authorities in case if they come across any unlawful practice at the places of worship.

Randeep said the authorities has organised several awareness camps at select taluks and villages against untouchability. The campaign will be launched at the district-level too. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and District in-charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa will take part in the campaign, the DC added.

The deputy commissioner suggested to organise a workshop for the authorities after a few committee members alleged that injustice is being meted out to the deprived class as the authorities, including police fail to respond. Randeep said, the victims can apply for travel allowance provided by the government for attending the court at respective taluk offices. Earlier, the victims had to apply for the allowances only after getting acknowledgement from taluk Social Welfare officer.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer P Shivashankar, District Social Welfare Officer Prabha and other officers were present.
DH News Service