The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Members concerned over plight of `archakas'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Members concerned over plight of `archakas'

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, JULY 27. The living condition of `archakas' in the State figured in the Assembly on Tuesday.

Cutting across party lines, members discussed the problem at length and the Minister for Endowments, M. Satyanarayana Rao, pledged to mobilise a Rs. 75-crore Welfare Fund at the earliest in tune with the recommendations of the Supreme Court.

Fair deal sought

The question was given notice by Devineni Rajasekhar (Congress). While seeking to draw the attention of the Government on the pathetic condition of `archakas', he also asked the Endowments Minister to list the steps being taken by the Government to better their lot. Those who spoke on the issue were: Dronamraju Satyanarayana, G. Chinna Reddy, D.L. Ravindra Reddy, Konda Surekha and G. Kuthuhalamma (Congress), Ch. Rajeswara Rao (TDP), G. Kishan Reddy (BJP) and Nomula Narasimhaiah (CPI-M Floor Leader).

In reply, Mr. Rao admitted that in the temples without agricultural lands, the living condition of `archakas' was not up to the mark. Where no scales had been fixed, `archakas' were allowed to enjoy the benefits from lands, he said. Those in 6(a) and 6(b) categories of temples were granted corresponding Government scales, he added.

Benefits

The Endowments Minister listed the benefits available to `archakas' and other `religious employees' under the Archaka Welfare Scheme. They include provision of quarters on rent, loan for either outright purchase or construction of houses, courses in `Agamas' in respective regions, refresher courses and publication of `Agama' books, scholarship and aid and financial assistance to the old or handicapped `archakas'.

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