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CM Stalin Launches Rs 1,500 Monthly Incentive for Tamil Nadu Village Temple Priests

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to launch a Rs 1,500 monthly incentive scheme for village temple priests at a conference in Mylapore. The initiative is part of broader welfare measures, including an increased pension of Rs 4,000 for eligible priests and a dedicated Welfare Board. Since 2021, the government has also boosted financial aid for temple renovation in Adi Dravidar and tribal areas to Rs 2.5 lakh per temple, disbursing over Rs 106 crore. The event underscores the state's focus on combining heritage conservation with inclusive social security for religious functionaries.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Launches Rs 1,500 Monthly Scheme for Temple Priests

  • New Rs 1,500 monthly incentive for priests
  • Enhanced temple renovation aid to Rs 2.5 lakh
  • Increased priest pension to Rs 4,000
  • Dedicated Welfare Board for priests
2 min read

CM Stalin to launch Rs 1,500 monthly incentive for village temple priests at Mylapore today

CM M.K. Stalin launches a Rs 1,500 monthly incentive for village temple priests in Tamil Nadu, enhancing welfare and temple renovation support.

"The Chief Minister will formally inaugurate a new scheme providing a monthly incentive of Rs 1,500 to village temple priests. - Official Announcement"

Chennai, Feb 28

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will participate in a major conference of village temple priests in Mylapore, Chennai, on Saturday, where he is set to distribute welfare assistance and launch a new monthly incentive scheme for priests.

The event, organised under the aegis of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, will focus on the welfare of priests serving in village temples, particularly those located in areas inhabited by Adi Dravidar and tribal communities that are not under direct administrative control.

The department has been implementing a series of measures aimed at improving infrastructure in such temples and enhancing the social security of priests.

Since assuming office in 2021, Stalin has significantly expanded financial support for the renovation of temples in Adi Dravidar and tribal habitations.

The assistance for temple restoration was increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.50 lakh per temple. So far, financial aid amounting to Rs 106.25 crore has been disbursed to nearly 5,000 temples, with renovation works progressing across the State.

In addition to infrastructure development, the government has stepped up welfare measures for village temple priests. The monthly pension for eligible priests was enhanced to Rs 4,000. Furthermore, a dedicated Village Temple Priests Welfare Board was constituted to provide a range of benefits, including educational scholarships for children, marriage assistance, family welfare funds, pensions, and family pensions.

At Saturday's conference, the Chief Minister will formally inaugurate a new scheme providing a monthly incentive of Rs 1,500 to village temple priests.

He is also expected to outline the government's broader vision for strengthening rural temple administration and ensuring social and financial security for priests and their families.

HR and CE Minister P. K. Sekar Babu, senior officials of the department, Chennai Corporation Mayor R. Priya, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly are expected to attend the event.

The conference is seen as part of the State government's continued outreach to grassroots religious functionaries and its effort to combine heritage conservation with inclusive welfare initiatives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative, but Rs 1,500 per month in today's economy? It's a start, but barely covers basic groceries. The increased renovation funds from 1 lakh to 2.5 lakh is more substantial. Hope this is just a beginning and the amount is reviewed soon.
R
Rohit P
Focusing on temples in Adi Dravidar and tribal areas is the right approach. These are often the most neglected places of worship. Combining heritage conservation with welfare is a smart model that other states should follow. Jai Tamil Nadu!
A
Ananya R
While supporting priests is welcome, I hope the government is equally focused on improving schools, hospitals, and roads in these same villages. Development should be holistic. A temple is important, but so is clean drinking water.
K
Karthik V
The formation of a dedicated Welfare Board is key. It's not just about a monthly dole, but structured support for education, marriage, and family welfare. This shows long-term thinking. Hope the implementation is smooth and reaches the genuine beneficiaries.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see a state government taking such direct interest in the welfare of religious functionaries. The article says it's part of "outreach to grassroots religious functionaries." In a diverse country like India, this kind of inclusive support makes sense.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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