Chamundeshwari temple priests plan stir from Dec 14

Devotees of the Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hill, in the city, and 23 other temples may be affected from December 14, as the priests and staff have planned to launch an indefinite strike.

Under the Chamundeshwari Temple Management Board, there are a total of 24 temples, spread across the Chamundi Hill, on the premises of the Mysuru Palace and also on the backside of Chamundi Hill at Uttanahalli. There are a total of 183 permanent employees of the Muzrai department, working in these temples. Besides, there is an equal number of hereditary employees, who are awaiting confirmation of their services, for many years.

Office-bearers of the association of the temple employees said, “According to the 6th Pay Commission, our salaries should be increased by 30%. Besides, we have put forth demands for pension and other benefits. Our repeated pleas to the government and the ministers concerned so far have not yielded any results”.

Association secretary Vishwanath said, “On December 14, we will complete all puja rituals and will come out of the temples, after the ‘mahamangalarathi’, to launch the protest. We will not work till our demands are met,” he said.