Restore annuity for Chamba temples: NGO

Our Correspondent

Chamba, September 20

The Chamba Welfare Association, an NGO, has urged the Chamba Deputy Commissioner, who is also the chairperson of the Laxmi Narayan Temples Committee, to get the amount of annuity of Rs 30,980 per year restored as per the past pattern and practice. Representatives of the NGO said it would strengthen the financial status of seven temple complexes of the district under the committee.

Apart from Laxmi Narayan Temples, Shakti Devi of Chhatrari, Chamunda Devi of Devikothi, Murli Manohar of Chowari and Mindhla Devi of Pangi are also included in seven historic ancient temples of Chamba district.

In a joint statement issued here today, AK Bhardwaj, association president, and SK Kashmiri, general secretary, said a annual grant of Rs 30,980 was sanctioned in 1968 by the compensation officer, Chamba district, under Rule 4/5 of the HP Abolition of Big Landed Estates and Land Reforms for the maintenance of these temples.

“But regrettably, the annuity has been discontinued after 1993-1994. Since there is no viable source of income for these temples, the management committee is experiencing great difficulties in meeting day-to-day financial needs,” said Kashmiri.

“A representation in this respect was filed by the representatives of the Rajput Kalyan Sabha and Brahmin Sabha to the Chamba Deputy Commissioner in April 8, 2011, but no action has been taken thereon,” said Bhardwaj.

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