02-18-2004, 08:22 PM
Open Letter to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress
Subject: Request your immediate intervention to undo the "denial of religious freedom" --
violation of Constitution and Nehruvian ideals of secularism by Karnataka Government
Dear Mrs. Gandhi,
We are happy to note that in keeping with the great secular tradition of the Nehru family, you have been stressing secularism in your public discourses. On the other hand, it is sad that the seemingly ill advised, Chief Minister Mr. S.M. Krishna in the Karnataka state, violates this basic precept of secularism by discriminatory government control of Hindu places of worship and reportedly taxing them and diverting their revenues to madrasas and churches. Unless the temples are handed back to the community, the common man, not seeing any rationale, would question the commitment to secularism by the entire Congress Party !
There are alarming reports on this issue in media and on the Internet that have caused a great concern and anguish amongst Hindus worldwide (attachments A and B) on diversion of funds from temples to madrasas and churches. In the absence of official response to our inquiry from the Chief Minister and due to non transparent temple management we assume these reports to be true, but we will stand corrected if facts are proven to be otherwise.
In any case, our basic contention against government control of temples in a secular state remains valid. The contention also encompasses the legal and philosophical commitment of the secular Indian state - that the governance of the religious institutions, their estates and places of worship must reside in the representative bodies of the believers which in this case means - the Hindu Boards, just like for other religions.
In gross violation of the very basic concept of secularism that call for separation of state and religion, Hindu temples and endowments were nationalized amidst a political euphoria, with the promise and premise of running them under an efficient and corruption free management. But sadly, after decades of government control the temple-management is anything but efficient, corruption free or transparent.
In Karnataka, the Govt. has set new standards of lawlessness by taxing the temples and without any justifiable legal authority simply diverting their funds to enhance the Muslim run madrasas and Christian run churches - both being the adversarial religions against Hinduism. The facts contained in these reports reveal that Karnataka has enacted a humiliating law that requires privately owned as well as the trusteeship managed temples in the state to pay taxes on an annual basis (attachment B).
In brazen disregard of the norms of trusteeship, in year 2002, out of a revenue of Rs. 72 crores, Rs. 50 crores were given to Madrasas, 10 crores to Churches and a miniscule Rs. 10 crores to over 250,000 temples. This works out to an average of Rs. 400 per year, or a little over a rupee per temple per day ! In previous years 1997 - 2001 also, most of the temple revenue was diverted to madrasas and churches (see attachment B). Such financial strangulation chokes the temples of their sustenance leading to their eventual closure - actions least expected from a party and government professing secularism and freedom of religion
It is shocking that on the one hand the Indian Govt. subsidizes the "Haj" pilgrimage of the Muslims to the tune of Rs. 150 crores annually and on the other the Karnataka authorities are crusading to destroy the self- supporting foundations and structure of the Hindu temples. To the believers across the globe this represents an unprovoked virtual attack on Hinduism itself, leading to potential indignation against minority institutions, just like the Babri Masjid, due to medieval Jazzia like imposition for their support.
Democratic and secular governments do not penalize or patronize religions. Such extra legal actions constitute a reverse discrimination against India's majority community. Acts that result in destroying the religious fabric of the majority community for howsoever noble cause particularly, in a democratic, secular and freedom loving society is beyond the frame of reference for the government. Only autocratic and totalitarian regimes engage in such acts of cultural destruction of people, not constitutional democracies.
Furthermore, the Parliament through an Act in 1991 legislated - "status of religious places, as on August 15, 1947 shall be retained". This law is yet to be enforced for temples in Karnataka.
Here are some basic questions: What authority, background and training have the govt. for controlling every aspect of the cultural centers? Why not allow an autonomous Hindu board to govern temples under the guidance of religious leaders, just as for other religions? Why should a progressive, democratic and secular government be discriminatory and meddle only in the affairs of Hindu places of worship ?
This issue has made the billion strong worldwide Hindu community very restive and indignant due to misuse of its religious funds, neglect of its cultural assets, effective denial of its cultural and spiritual pursuits as well as of its community service projects, while diverting funds to the adversarial creeds, whose very "raison d'etre seems to be expansion by the eradication of Hindu dharma and culture".
Madam Gandhi, as President of the Indian National Congress, you have the authority and responsibility for enforcing the party policies. May we request you on behalf of millions of indignant Hindus, to require that the Congress government in Karnataka, take the following corrective steps :
1) the endowments department should be made transparent and open to public scrutiny: a) institute an independent public audit of temple finances, B) issue periodic financial statements, and c) publish a white paper on the state of temples and endowment properties, starting from the time of takeover;
2) please direct: a) cancellation of the recent proposal to take over all private and trust managed temples (see attachment A); B) a freeze on all actions on temples and endowments, particularly for any sale of land and property, except for routine maintenance, pujaris' salaries and temple rituals, etc. till the temples are handed back to the community; c) to stop diversion of temple revenues, as expected of temple trustees; d) to undertake actions for repairs and renovations of the neglected temples ;
3) please call for implementation of a time bound plan for denationalization of Temples and for handing them over to an autonomous Hindu board - that can readily be appointed for Karnataka by the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha - an apex body of top Hindu religious leaders, who are the appropriate institution to serve and protect the rights of the Hindu places of worship;
Denationalization will uphold Nehruvian ideals and the fundamental precepts of separation of state and religion, and end a discriminatory and regressive practice of government control, that violates basic precepts of secularism as practiced in all modern democratic societies.
Mrs. Gandhi, May we request you to kindly exercise your leadership and guide the government of Karnataka on this important issue.
With best wishes, and hoping for a response,
Sincerely,
Dr. Jagan Kaul
Krishan Bhatnagar
Hindu Jagran Forum (Maryland, USA)
e-mail: krishan.kb@verizon.net
February 17, 2004
======================================================
Attachment A
Karnataka State Temple Plan Protested
India today Dec 15, 2003
The Trust in Temples
BANGALORE The S.M. Krishna Government has stirred up another temple controversy. Its proposal to take over management of all private and trust-managed temples have raised hackles. Says Sri Vishveshwara Theertha of Udupi Pejawar math: "This would only give scope for corruption." Others are equally upset. Hindu Dharmika Samsthe Hitharakshna Samiti spokesman G.R. Suresh accuses the Government of diverting Rs 69 crore collected from nearly two lakh temples: only Rs 13.75 crore were given for temple maintenance as against the madarsa-Haj subsidy of Rs 35 crore.
Another critic of the proposal is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living. "The Government, which failed to manage the PSUs, is now eyeing the temples. This dual stand is unacceptable," he says. The Udupi seer draws a different parallel. "When mosques and churches are enjoying total freedom, why does the Government need to interfere in the administration of temples?" he asks. If necessary, it can float an autonomous body to monitor temples, the Swami suggests.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A note on attachment B: We sent an inquiry via electronic mail on October 9, 2003 and again on February 8, 2004 to Chief Minister Shri S.M. Krishna requesting him to comment and verify the following report; but to this day our inquiry remains unanswered. Further, in view of the above report in "India Today" and govt. non transparency on matters of public financial matters when revenues worth hundreds of crores of rupees and temple property worth thousands of crores are involved, it is unconscionable for govt. not to respond and make financial statements available to public.
Some concerned person put out this report, but it seems that due to fear of persecution he decided to keep it anonymous. Satyendra Dubey in Bihar, who wrote against corruption, but who got killed after his name was given out, supports the concern. We are confident about this report. Anyone wishing further information may contact the Chief Minister at e-mail : smkrishna@bangaloreit.com - ( Krishan Bhatnagar, Hindu Jagran Forum).
--------
ATTACHMENT B
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 8:16 PM
Subject: Revenues From Temples Diverted For Haj Subsidy And Madarassas In Karnataka
Author: Annonymous
The Congress Government of Karnataka has made another breakthrough in appeasing the minority communities in Karnataka. The Government passed a bill in the assembly that all the private owned temples and the temple comprising of trustees in Karnataka must pay minimum tax to the Government every year. Failing to which the authorised people of the temple would be liable and or would be prosecuted. This law is being passed in order to generate income for the development of madarasas and provide subsidies to Haj Pilgrims in Karnataka.
Earlier to this the Government was collecting the entire income from all the Government Controlled temples in the state. We have received few data from the Revenue section of Tourism and Temples Government of Karnataka. I am enclosing the data of revenue status of last six years for your references.
1997
Revenue: The Government Received Rs 52.35 Crs of Revenue from 2,64,000 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 17.33 Crs were given back to 2,64,000 temples for maintenance
Rs 9.25 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the state Rs 3.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 29.58 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 22.77 was diverted towards Rural and Women Development.
1998
Revenue: The Government received Rs 58.35 Crs of Revenue from 2,67,073 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 16.50 Crs were given back to 2,67,073 temples for maintenance
Rs 14.25 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the State
Rs 5.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 35.75 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 22.60 was diverted towards Medical and Health Facilities in Villages and Rural areas.
1999
Revenue: The Government received 65.35 Crs of Revenue from 2,67,000 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 15.00 Crs were given back to 2,67,000 temples for maintenance
Rs 27.00 Crs were given for Madarasas development and towards Haj subsidy all over the State
Rs 8.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 48.00 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 17.35 (Details N / A).
2000
Revenue: The Government received Rs 69.96 Crs of Revenue from 2,62,038 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 13.75 Crs were given back to 2,62,038 temples for maintenance
Rs 35.00 Crs were given for development of Madarasas and Haj Subsidy all over the State
Rs 8.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 56.75 Crs was spent and the balance amount of Rs 13.21 crs reserved towards compensation of Haj Victims.
2001
Revenue: The Government received Rs 71.6 Crs of Revenue from 2,54,038 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 11.50 Crs were given back to 2,54,038 temples for maintenance
Rs 45.00 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the State
Rs 10.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 66.50 Crs was spent and the balance amount of Rs 5.1 Crs (N/A)
2002
Revenue: The Government received Rs 72.00 Crs of Revenue from 2,51,012 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 10.00 Crs were given back to 2,51,012 temples for maintenance
Rs 50.00 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the State
Rs 10.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 70.00 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 2 Crs (N/A)
.... If the Government continues its neglect towards the maintenance and development of these temples for other few years, we will not be surprised to see that over 50,000 Temples will be forced to closed town in next five years. .. . We felt very sad seeing the pathetic conditions of the poorly maintained temples by the Government. ... . They say that they are not receiving any financial aid for day to day maintenance of the temple. .... Some priests told us that they have not received salaries for over 6 months period and they are surviving (on offerings) donated by the devotees in the Aarti plate.
Subject: Request your immediate intervention to undo the "denial of religious freedom" --
violation of Constitution and Nehruvian ideals of secularism by Karnataka Government
Dear Mrs. Gandhi,
We are happy to note that in keeping with the great secular tradition of the Nehru family, you have been stressing secularism in your public discourses. On the other hand, it is sad that the seemingly ill advised, Chief Minister Mr. S.M. Krishna in the Karnataka state, violates this basic precept of secularism by discriminatory government control of Hindu places of worship and reportedly taxing them and diverting their revenues to madrasas and churches. Unless the temples are handed back to the community, the common man, not seeing any rationale, would question the commitment to secularism by the entire Congress Party !
There are alarming reports on this issue in media and on the Internet that have caused a great concern and anguish amongst Hindus worldwide (attachments A and B) on diversion of funds from temples to madrasas and churches. In the absence of official response to our inquiry from the Chief Minister and due to non transparent temple management we assume these reports to be true, but we will stand corrected if facts are proven to be otherwise.
In any case, our basic contention against government control of temples in a secular state remains valid. The contention also encompasses the legal and philosophical commitment of the secular Indian state - that the governance of the religious institutions, their estates and places of worship must reside in the representative bodies of the believers which in this case means - the Hindu Boards, just like for other religions.
In gross violation of the very basic concept of secularism that call for separation of state and religion, Hindu temples and endowments were nationalized amidst a political euphoria, with the promise and premise of running them under an efficient and corruption free management. But sadly, after decades of government control the temple-management is anything but efficient, corruption free or transparent.
In Karnataka, the Govt. has set new standards of lawlessness by taxing the temples and without any justifiable legal authority simply diverting their funds to enhance the Muslim run madrasas and Christian run churches - both being the adversarial religions against Hinduism. The facts contained in these reports reveal that Karnataka has enacted a humiliating law that requires privately owned as well as the trusteeship managed temples in the state to pay taxes on an annual basis (attachment B).
In brazen disregard of the norms of trusteeship, in year 2002, out of a revenue of Rs. 72 crores, Rs. 50 crores were given to Madrasas, 10 crores to Churches and a miniscule Rs. 10 crores to over 250,000 temples. This works out to an average of Rs. 400 per year, or a little over a rupee per temple per day ! In previous years 1997 - 2001 also, most of the temple revenue was diverted to madrasas and churches (see attachment B). Such financial strangulation chokes the temples of their sustenance leading to their eventual closure - actions least expected from a party and government professing secularism and freedom of religion
It is shocking that on the one hand the Indian Govt. subsidizes the "Haj" pilgrimage of the Muslims to the tune of Rs. 150 crores annually and on the other the Karnataka authorities are crusading to destroy the self- supporting foundations and structure of the Hindu temples. To the believers across the globe this represents an unprovoked virtual attack on Hinduism itself, leading to potential indignation against minority institutions, just like the Babri Masjid, due to medieval Jazzia like imposition for their support.
Democratic and secular governments do not penalize or patronize religions. Such extra legal actions constitute a reverse discrimination against India's majority community. Acts that result in destroying the religious fabric of the majority community for howsoever noble cause particularly, in a democratic, secular and freedom loving society is beyond the frame of reference for the government. Only autocratic and totalitarian regimes engage in such acts of cultural destruction of people, not constitutional democracies.
Furthermore, the Parliament through an Act in 1991 legislated - "status of religious places, as on August 15, 1947 shall be retained". This law is yet to be enforced for temples in Karnataka.
Here are some basic questions: What authority, background and training have the govt. for controlling every aspect of the cultural centers? Why not allow an autonomous Hindu board to govern temples under the guidance of religious leaders, just as for other religions? Why should a progressive, democratic and secular government be discriminatory and meddle only in the affairs of Hindu places of worship ?
This issue has made the billion strong worldwide Hindu community very restive and indignant due to misuse of its religious funds, neglect of its cultural assets, effective denial of its cultural and spiritual pursuits as well as of its community service projects, while diverting funds to the adversarial creeds, whose very "raison d'etre seems to be expansion by the eradication of Hindu dharma and culture".
Madam Gandhi, as President of the Indian National Congress, you have the authority and responsibility for enforcing the party policies. May we request you on behalf of millions of indignant Hindus, to require that the Congress government in Karnataka, take the following corrective steps :
1) the endowments department should be made transparent and open to public scrutiny: a) institute an independent public audit of temple finances, B) issue periodic financial statements, and c) publish a white paper on the state of temples and endowment properties, starting from the time of takeover;
2) please direct: a) cancellation of the recent proposal to take over all private and trust managed temples (see attachment A); B) a freeze on all actions on temples and endowments, particularly for any sale of land and property, except for routine maintenance, pujaris' salaries and temple rituals, etc. till the temples are handed back to the community; c) to stop diversion of temple revenues, as expected of temple trustees; d) to undertake actions for repairs and renovations of the neglected temples ;
3) please call for implementation of a time bound plan for denationalization of Temples and for handing them over to an autonomous Hindu board - that can readily be appointed for Karnataka by the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha - an apex body of top Hindu religious leaders, who are the appropriate institution to serve and protect the rights of the Hindu places of worship;
Denationalization will uphold Nehruvian ideals and the fundamental precepts of separation of state and religion, and end a discriminatory and regressive practice of government control, that violates basic precepts of secularism as practiced in all modern democratic societies.
Mrs. Gandhi, May we request you to kindly exercise your leadership and guide the government of Karnataka on this important issue.
With best wishes, and hoping for a response,
Sincerely,
Dr. Jagan Kaul
Krishan Bhatnagar
Hindu Jagran Forum (Maryland, USA)
e-mail: krishan.kb@verizon.net
February 17, 2004
======================================================
Attachment A
Karnataka State Temple Plan Protested
India today Dec 15, 2003
The Trust in Temples
BANGALORE The S.M. Krishna Government has stirred up another temple controversy. Its proposal to take over management of all private and trust-managed temples have raised hackles. Says Sri Vishveshwara Theertha of Udupi Pejawar math: "This would only give scope for corruption." Others are equally upset. Hindu Dharmika Samsthe Hitharakshna Samiti spokesman G.R. Suresh accuses the Government of diverting Rs 69 crore collected from nearly two lakh temples: only Rs 13.75 crore were given for temple maintenance as against the madarsa-Haj subsidy of Rs 35 crore.
Another critic of the proposal is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living. "The Government, which failed to manage the PSUs, is now eyeing the temples. This dual stand is unacceptable," he says. The Udupi seer draws a different parallel. "When mosques and churches are enjoying total freedom, why does the Government need to interfere in the administration of temples?" he asks. If necessary, it can float an autonomous body to monitor temples, the Swami suggests.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A note on attachment B: We sent an inquiry via electronic mail on October 9, 2003 and again on February 8, 2004 to Chief Minister Shri S.M. Krishna requesting him to comment and verify the following report; but to this day our inquiry remains unanswered. Further, in view of the above report in "India Today" and govt. non transparency on matters of public financial matters when revenues worth hundreds of crores of rupees and temple property worth thousands of crores are involved, it is unconscionable for govt. not to respond and make financial statements available to public.
Some concerned person put out this report, but it seems that due to fear of persecution he decided to keep it anonymous. Satyendra Dubey in Bihar, who wrote against corruption, but who got killed after his name was given out, supports the concern. We are confident about this report. Anyone wishing further information may contact the Chief Minister at e-mail : smkrishna@bangaloreit.com - ( Krishan Bhatnagar, Hindu Jagran Forum).
--------
ATTACHMENT B
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 8:16 PM
Subject: Revenues From Temples Diverted For Haj Subsidy And Madarassas In Karnataka
Author: Annonymous
The Congress Government of Karnataka has made another breakthrough in appeasing the minority communities in Karnataka. The Government passed a bill in the assembly that all the private owned temples and the temple comprising of trustees in Karnataka must pay minimum tax to the Government every year. Failing to which the authorised people of the temple would be liable and or would be prosecuted. This law is being passed in order to generate income for the development of madarasas and provide subsidies to Haj Pilgrims in Karnataka.
Earlier to this the Government was collecting the entire income from all the Government Controlled temples in the state. We have received few data from the Revenue section of Tourism and Temples Government of Karnataka. I am enclosing the data of revenue status of last six years for your references.
1997
Revenue: The Government Received Rs 52.35 Crs of Revenue from 2,64,000 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 17.33 Crs were given back to 2,64,000 temples for maintenance
Rs 9.25 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the state Rs 3.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 29.58 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 22.77 was diverted towards Rural and Women Development.
1998
Revenue: The Government received Rs 58.35 Crs of Revenue from 2,67,073 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 16.50 Crs were given back to 2,67,073 temples for maintenance
Rs 14.25 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the State
Rs 5.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 35.75 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 22.60 was diverted towards Medical and Health Facilities in Villages and Rural areas.
1999
Revenue: The Government received 65.35 Crs of Revenue from 2,67,000 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 15.00 Crs were given back to 2,67,000 temples for maintenance
Rs 27.00 Crs were given for Madarasas development and towards Haj subsidy all over the State
Rs 8.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 48.00 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 17.35 (Details N / A).
2000
Revenue: The Government received Rs 69.96 Crs of Revenue from 2,62,038 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 13.75 Crs were given back to 2,62,038 temples for maintenance
Rs 35.00 Crs were given for development of Madarasas and Haj Subsidy all over the State
Rs 8.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 56.75 Crs was spent and the balance amount of Rs 13.21 crs reserved towards compensation of Haj Victims.
2001
Revenue: The Government received Rs 71.6 Crs of Revenue from 2,54,038 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 11.50 Crs were given back to 2,54,038 temples for maintenance
Rs 45.00 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the State
Rs 10.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 66.50 Crs was spent and the balance amount of Rs 5.1 Crs (N/A)
2002
Revenue: The Government received Rs 72.00 Crs of Revenue from 2,51,012 temples in Karnataka
Expenses: Rs 10.00 Crs were given back to 2,51,012 temples for maintenance
Rs 50.00 Crs were given for Madarasas development all over the State
Rs 10.00 Crs were given for Church development purpose.
Total: Rs 70.00 Crs was spent and the balance amount of 2 Crs (N/A)
.... If the Government continues its neglect towards the maintenance and development of these temples for other few years, we will not be surprised to see that over 50,000 Temples will be forced to closed town in next five years. .. . We felt very sad seeing the pathetic conditions of the poorly maintained temples by the Government. ... . They say that they are not receiving any financial aid for day to day maintenance of the temple. .... Some priests told us that they have not received salaries for over 6 months period and they are surviving (on offerings) donated by the devotees in the Aarti plate.