The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : NRIs to fund temple renovation

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Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

NRIs to fund temple renovation

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: With financial support from Non-Resident Indians, the State Government plans to renovate 500 temples that are in a dilapidated condition.

Speaking to presspersons here on Monday, Minister for Muzrai and Housing S.N. Krishnaiah Setty said NRIs had agreed to contribute Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh for renovation of temples in different parts of the State.

A large number of NRIs from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts had agreed to donate funds.

Local citizens and leaders had been asked to submit plans containing information on the temple history, location and funds required for renovation, to deputy commissioners and tahsildars in all districts, Mr. Setty said.

As many as 25 temples had been generating an annual income of Rs. 1 crore and the Government had decided to install electronic “hundis” there with the support of State Bank of Patiala and the Indian Bank. The cost of each “hundi” would be around Rs. 1.5 lakh.

A decision had been to constitute a separate board for taking up development works of temples at B.R. Hills and M.M. Hills in Chamarajanagar district.

Under the Ashraya scheme, Mr. Setty said beneficiaries had been identified in Gulbarga, Bellary and Shimoga districts, and the process of identification of beneficiaries was on in other districts.

The poor would also be allotted houses under the Suvarna Gramodaya Scheme. All villages covered under the scheme would be provided facilities available in urban areas, he said.

For conservation of rainwater, about 500 tanks would be constructed in drought-prone Malur taluk of Kolar district at an estimated cost of Rs. 950 crore.

On an average, the taluk receives 45 cm rainfall a year. Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had agreed to clear the proposal, Mr. Setty added.

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