The Telangana Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act is causing problems for temples. The State Endowment department recently transferred hereditary priests from the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam, sparking controversy.
A former official from the State Endowment department expressed concerns about the government’s misuse of temple institutions in South India. He believes that the government is not following the intended role of trusteeship under the Act, leading to issues in temple administration.
The transfer of hereditary priests is just one example of the problems in the endowment department. Traditional roles within temples, such as priests and sculptors, are being replaced by government-appointed officials who may not have the necessary knowledge or skills for temple upkeep.
The lack of expertise in temple architecture and management among government officials is a major concern. Many staff members in the endowment department do not have specific training in temple traditions and maintenance, raising questions about their ability to effectively oversee temple affairs.
