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Karnataka Budget Offers Rs 5,000 Aid for Vaishno Devi Pilgrims, Temple Boost

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a Rs 5,000 financial aid scheme for state pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine. The budget also includes a plan to rejuvenate 259 temple ponds and establish development authorities for two major temples. Furthermore, the government will renovate Karnataka guest houses at pilgrimage centers outside the state, including in Varanasi and Mantralaya. A new students' hostel and commercial complex will also be developed in Bengaluru through a Public-Private Partnership model.

Key Points: Karnataka Budget: Rs 5,000 Aid for Vaishno Devi Pilgrims

  • Rs 5,000 aid for Vaishno Devi pilgrims
  • Rejuvenation of 259 temple ponds
  • New authorities for major temples
  • Renovation of guest houses outside state
  • PPP hostel and commercial complex in Bengaluru
2 min read

K'taka Budget: Rs 5,000 aid for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, temple infra boost announced

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announces Rs 5,000 aid for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, temple infrastructure projects, and new development authorities.

"The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each to pilgrims from Karnataka visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. - Siddaramaiah"

Bengaluru, March 6

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced several initiatives for the development of temples, pilgrim facilities and religious infrastructure while presenting the State Budget in the Legislative Assembly.

The Chief Minister said the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each to pilgrims from Karnataka visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.

A grant of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for the scheme, and the assistance will be transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Siddaramaiah also announced the implementation of the Jala Nidhi Kalyani Rejuvenation Scheme to revitalise 259 temple kalyanis under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Institutions Department over a period of three years. An allocation of Rs 5 crore has been made for the project.

To improve infrastructure and ensure comprehensive development of major pilgrimage centres, the government will establish development authorities for Kukke Shri Subramanya Temple and Kolluru Shri Mookambika Temple, the CM stated.

The government will also undertake renovation and reconstruction of Karnataka guest houses located at pilgrimage centres outside the State. A new choultry will be constructed in Varanasi as the existing facility is in a dilapidated condition. Similarly, the existing choultry on land belonging to the Raghavendra Swamy temple in Mantralaya in Andhra Pradesh will be renovated, he stated.

In addition, a new Yatri Nivas will be constructed in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, while the existing choultry in Tulajapur in Maharashtra will be reconstructed to provide better accommodation and facilities for pilgrims, CM Siddaramaiah stated.

The Chief Minister further said that a students' hostel and a commercial complex will be constructed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on land belonging to the department at the Bandi Seshamma Choultry near Kempegowda Circle in Bengaluru. The project aims to better utilise the property while supporting educational and commercial activities in the area, he stated.

Counselling system will be implemented for transfer of the officers and staff of the department, he stated.

The construction works of 'Anubhava Mantapa' taken up by Basavakalyana Development Board is in the final stage. The remaining works will be completed in this year and will be opened to the public, he stated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While supporting pilgrims is good, I hope the DBT system is implemented transparently. There are so many pressing issues like roads, water, and healthcare. The budget should strike a better balance between religious and essential public infrastructure.
A
Arjun K
Revitalising temple kalyanis is an excellent initiative. These water bodies are not just religious but also part of our ecological and cultural heritage. The three-year plan for 259 of them sounds promising. Hope they involve local communities.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Kukke Subramanya last year, the infrastructure there needs serious improvement. Creating a dedicated development authority is a smart step. Better facilities will make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable for everyone.
V
Vikram M
Renovating guest houses in Varanasi and Mantralaya is much needed. The current facilities are often in poor condition. It's good that Karnataka is looking after its citizens even when they travel to other states for pilgrimage. Jai Karnataka!
N
Nikhil C
The PPP model for the choultry in Bengaluru to build a hostel and commercial complex is a practical move. Better utilisation of underused properties can generate funds for the department. Hope the 'Anubhava Mantapa' opens soon too!

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