Karnataka unveils ‘Vision Group’ to restore 34,000 neglected muzrai temples

With the amendment bill pending Presidential assent, the Karnataka govt sets up a vision group of eminent personalities to plan and fund development of C-category temples.

Amid uncertainty over the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill 2024, the state government has taken a parallel route to address the plight of over 34,000 C-category Muzrai temples, many of which are in dire need of restoration.

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Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced the formation of a seven-member vision group that will serve as a think tank for temple development, fundraising, and heritage preservation. The panel includes retired academician Prof KE Radhakrishna, former Rajya Sabha MP KC Ramamurthy, and ex-MLA Shakuntala Shetty, with more prominent figures expected to join.

The minister noted that successive governments had long ignored these temples, leaving many in dilapidated condition with poor infrastructure and inadequate facilities for devotees. “Some temples are even on the verge of collapse. While a few villages pooled funds for upkeep, most lack resources for meaningful development,” he said.

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Initially, the government proposed a common pool fund by retaining 10% income from high-revenue temples to aid smaller ones. But opposition stalled the plan, and with the Bill still awaiting Presidential assent, the vision group emerged as an alternative.

The group will explore CSR partnerships, donor contributions, and philanthropic funding to improve basic amenities, preserve heritage, and enhance the spiritual experience for devotees. “This initiative, announced in the state budget, is just the beginning,” Reddy emphasized, calling it a roadmap for sustainable temple revival across Karnataka.