08-02-2004, 04:32 PM
Subject: Appeal to stop Auction by AP Govt. of Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham Tirupathi land
Here is a disturbing news of AUCTION of Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham - Tirupahti land by govt. of Andhra Pradesh on August 9, 2004 - barely a week from now. This is explained in the appeal to the CM of Andhra Pradesh attached below.
We request that you send your own comments as well . Here are some email addresses, etc. :
Chief Minister , Andhra Pradesh: cmap@ap.nic.in
President of India pressecy@alpha.nic.in (President's press secretary)
fax : 2301 7290 (in New Delhi)
Prime Minister: manmohan@sansad.nic.in
VHP, New Delhi: jaishriram@vsnl.in , vyas@vichaar.net , jaishriram@vichaar.net
BJP, New Delhi bjpco@del3.vsnl.net.in
Shri LK Advani, advanilk@sansad.nic.in
Mrs. Sonia Gandhi soniagandhi@sansad.nic.in
Indian Embassy, } 2107 massachusettes Ave, NW, Washington, DC
Washington, DC } Phone: (202) 939-7000
Sincerely
Krishan Bhatnagar
Maryland, USA
=============================
Letter to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
Hon'ble YS Rajasekhara Reddy
Chief Minister
Andhra Pradesh
Subject: Appeal to stop Auction by AP Govt. of Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham -
Tirupathi Tirumala land
Hon'ble Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy,
We are highly disturbed at the news of AUCTION of Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham - Tirupahti land by govt. of Andhra Pradesh on August 9, 2004 - barely a week from now (attachment A).
This Matham is the true holder of sacred Tirumala properties. It is supposed to be controlled by the Pedda Jeeyar and Chinna Jeeyar Mathams and dates back to Saint Ramanujacharya who established the bodies. The properties held are not of recent origin, but have been owned for centuries.
We may also wish to remind you of the destruction of the 600 year-old 1000 pillar temple recently at Tirumala for sake of VIP security as another example of the govt. indifference to Hindu religious sentiments and against the norms of trusteeship. Here are some more comments related to govt. control of temples in Andhra Pradesh.
In Andhra Pradesh, we understand, they have a bureaucracy of 77,000 to manage some 33,000 temples, diverting 85% of revenue to state exchequer according to some estimates, while pujarees starve and basic poojas are hard to perform due to financial squeeze. We are told that after the new Govt. took office in AP recently, the People's War Group has put red flags on temple lands in some districts with intent to allot them to peasants; and the Collector of Palnadu is reported to have a plan to distribute 3000 acres of Temple Lands under the Endowments Department in that area
Furthermore, the endowment records also confirm that the authorities acquired temple lands for bus stations, police stations, Govt. offices, hospitals and power stations etc. several times in the past. In a secular society these discriminatory actions against a particular religious group must be considered highly questionable, inappropriate and unconstitutional. Over and above this the Govt. has yet to reimburse Rs. 28 crores to the endowment dept. as cost of the acquired lands (attachment B). In legal terms that is pure and simple "default." Which means that the AP Govt. failed to pay and consequently failed as a trustee for ensuring the clean management of the Hindu endowments.
These actions seriously jeopardize the preservation and propagation of Hindu cultural and spiritual values and therefore, calls for the total withdrawal of the state from controlling religious entities. The Indian system of constitutional domain demands that the jurisdiction of managing religious entities must reside in the members of their respective religious communities as is the case of Christian and Muslim religious institutions. There must be a separation of state and religion in a secular state.
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 how so ever noble cause particularly, in a democratic, secular and freedom loving society are 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.
The "Places of Worship (special provisions) Act 1991" by the Lok Sabha, that stipulates "to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August 1947" is being violated . The lands were endowed to the temples for their support in perpetuity to ensure their religious character and not as discretionary for the trustees.
There are some basic questions: When the whole world is already aflame with the "jihad ideology", is it wise for governments to incite the tolerant Hindus by grievously violating their religious sensitivities? Why are only Hindus treated as the chosen people for robbing their religious autonomy? The Waqf Board of Muslims and the management of Christian religious institutions have vast funds, properties and endowments, in addition to the immense flow of foreign funds. Why are they permitted to remain free of nationalization, interference and Govt. control, with their autonomy intact?
May we request you to take urgent action to rescind the order for auction that is against the norms of trusteeship. This is also against the very basic tenets of Nehruvian secularism - separation of state and religion - that you and your Congress party publicly profess. A billion strong Hindu community worldwide is highly agitated on this issue.
Sincerely
Dr. Jagan Kaul August 1, 2004
Krishan Bhatnagar
Hindu Jagran Forum
Maryland, USA
=======================================================
(Attachment A)
OFFICE OF THE ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICER
SRI SWAMI HATHIRAMJI MATHAM-TIRUPATHI
R.C.No.B4/883/96 Dt:06-7-2004
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SALE OF LAND
Land belonging to Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham, Tirupathi situated in Tirupathi Village situated in survey No.187/2 to the extent of A 0.56 Cents shall be auctioned on 9-8-2004, Monday at 11.00 AM on as-is-where-is basis in the presence of Officers of the Endowments Department in tender-cum-open auction. Those desirous of participating shall obtain and submit Demand Draft in favour of Adminstrative Oficer, Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham, Tirupathi on any Nationalized Bank for Rs.5,00,000/- (rupees five lakhs only) towards Earnest Money Deposit and participate in the auction. (Cheques are not accepted).
1) Successful bidder shall pay 1/3 rd of the bid amount soon after the completion of the auction. (Earnest Money Deposit shall be treated as seperate)
2) Soon after obtaining the approval orders from Commissioner, Endowments Department, Hyderabad, balance amount shall be settled within 15 days and land should be registered at their own cost.
3) Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham reserves the right to postpone, or cancel the auction without assigning any reasons.
4) The land shall be handed over soon after the completion of registration process.
For other conditions, details, The Adminstrative Oficer, Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham, Tirupathi may be contacted either directly or through Ph.No.2220015 during the office hours (excepting during Government Holidays).
SRI ARJUNDAS JI (Sd)M.SANJEEVAREDDY
SRI MAHANTH ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICER
SRI SWAMI HATHIRAMJI MATHAM SRI SWAMI HATHIRAMJI MATHAM
TIRUPATHI-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI-TIRUMALA
Note: This notice appeared in Eenadu, August 1, 2004. Tamil Nadu Edition on p.no.3 of the regional issue.
===========================================
Attachment B
Now Naidu eyes temple lands
Hindustan Times, July 07, 2003
Ashok Das
(Hyderabad, July 6)
The temple of Lord Venakateswara at Tirupati is lucky. The Andhra Pradesh government has finally backed off from its demand for Rs 36 crore from this cash-rich shrine, in the wake of public outcry and a litigation in the high court.
However, lesser known temples are not so lucky. The government has initiated moves to take away temple lands and distribute them among poorer sections in the name of social justice. According to endowment department sources, around 80 per cent of the 27,000-odd temples have no income other than what they get from the vested lands. And once the lands are taken away, puja in many temples will have to be stopped.
The decision to acquire endowment lands was prompted after district collectors reported the unavailability of adequate government land and secondly because of litigation involving available lands. The government fixed a target of 8 lakh house site pattas this year, after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement at the TDPâs Tirupati meet.
Revenue officials said, the state needs around 40,000 acres to meet the target and by tapping endowment properties the state could meet only one third of the requirement. 3,000 acres of land have been identified for acquisition.
TDP leaders defend the governmentâs stand. âThe lands are under the templesâ control for namesake only. The people cultivating them are giving little or nothing. At least this way, it will serve a better cause,â said a TDP member.
Opposition parties have assailed the move. "The endowment lands come free as government-appointed officials control the temples and few would dare to challenge the order," said a BJP leader.
Endowment records show the government acquired temple lands several times in the past for bus stands, police stations, government offices, hospitals, power stations etc. It was yet to reimburse Rs 28 crores to the endowment department towards the value of the acquired land.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/printed.../detNAT19.shtml
Here is a disturbing news of AUCTION of Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham - Tirupahti land by govt. of Andhra Pradesh on August 9, 2004 - barely a week from now. This is explained in the appeal to the CM of Andhra Pradesh attached below.
We request that you send your own comments as well . Here are some email addresses, etc. :
Chief Minister , Andhra Pradesh: cmap@ap.nic.in
President of India pressecy@alpha.nic.in (President's press secretary)
fax : 2301 7290 (in New Delhi)
Prime Minister: manmohan@sansad.nic.in
VHP, New Delhi: jaishriram@vsnl.in , vyas@vichaar.net , jaishriram@vichaar.net
BJP, New Delhi bjpco@del3.vsnl.net.in
Shri LK Advani, advanilk@sansad.nic.in
Mrs. Sonia Gandhi soniagandhi@sansad.nic.in
Indian Embassy, } 2107 massachusettes Ave, NW, Washington, DC
Washington, DC } Phone: (202) 939-7000
Sincerely
Krishan Bhatnagar
Maryland, USA
=============================
Letter to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
Hon'ble YS Rajasekhara Reddy
Chief Minister
Andhra Pradesh
Subject: Appeal to stop Auction by AP Govt. of Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham -
Tirupathi Tirumala land
Hon'ble Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy,
We are highly disturbed at the news of AUCTION of Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham - Tirupahti land by govt. of Andhra Pradesh on August 9, 2004 - barely a week from now (attachment A).
This Matham is the true holder of sacred Tirumala properties. It is supposed to be controlled by the Pedda Jeeyar and Chinna Jeeyar Mathams and dates back to Saint Ramanujacharya who established the bodies. The properties held are not of recent origin, but have been owned for centuries.
We may also wish to remind you of the destruction of the 600 year-old 1000 pillar temple recently at Tirumala for sake of VIP security as another example of the govt. indifference to Hindu religious sentiments and against the norms of trusteeship. Here are some more comments related to govt. control of temples in Andhra Pradesh.
In Andhra Pradesh, we understand, they have a bureaucracy of 77,000 to manage some 33,000 temples, diverting 85% of revenue to state exchequer according to some estimates, while pujarees starve and basic poojas are hard to perform due to financial squeeze. We are told that after the new Govt. took office in AP recently, the People's War Group has put red flags on temple lands in some districts with intent to allot them to peasants; and the Collector of Palnadu is reported to have a plan to distribute 3000 acres of Temple Lands under the Endowments Department in that area
Furthermore, the endowment records also confirm that the authorities acquired temple lands for bus stations, police stations, Govt. offices, hospitals and power stations etc. several times in the past. In a secular society these discriminatory actions against a particular religious group must be considered highly questionable, inappropriate and unconstitutional. Over and above this the Govt. has yet to reimburse Rs. 28 crores to the endowment dept. as cost of the acquired lands (attachment B). In legal terms that is pure and simple "default." Which means that the AP Govt. failed to pay and consequently failed as a trustee for ensuring the clean management of the Hindu endowments.
These actions seriously jeopardize the preservation and propagation of Hindu cultural and spiritual values and therefore, calls for the total withdrawal of the state from controlling religious entities. The Indian system of constitutional domain demands that the jurisdiction of managing religious entities must reside in the members of their respective religious communities as is the case of Christian and Muslim religious institutions. There must be a separation of state and religion in a secular state.
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 how so ever noble cause particularly, in a democratic, secular and freedom loving society are 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.
The "Places of Worship (special provisions) Act 1991" by the Lok Sabha, that stipulates "to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August 1947" is being violated . The lands were endowed to the temples for their support in perpetuity to ensure their religious character and not as discretionary for the trustees.
There are some basic questions: When the whole world is already aflame with the "jihad ideology", is it wise for governments to incite the tolerant Hindus by grievously violating their religious sensitivities? Why are only Hindus treated as the chosen people for robbing their religious autonomy? The Waqf Board of Muslims and the management of Christian religious institutions have vast funds, properties and endowments, in addition to the immense flow of foreign funds. Why are they permitted to remain free of nationalization, interference and Govt. control, with their autonomy intact?
May we request you to take urgent action to rescind the order for auction that is against the norms of trusteeship. This is also against the very basic tenets of Nehruvian secularism - separation of state and religion - that you and your Congress party publicly profess. A billion strong Hindu community worldwide is highly agitated on this issue.
Sincerely
Dr. Jagan Kaul August 1, 2004
Krishan Bhatnagar
Hindu Jagran Forum
Maryland, USA
=======================================================
(Attachment A)
OFFICE OF THE ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICER
SRI SWAMI HATHIRAMJI MATHAM-TIRUPATHI
R.C.No.B4/883/96 Dt:06-7-2004
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SALE OF LAND
Land belonging to Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham, Tirupathi situated in Tirupathi Village situated in survey No.187/2 to the extent of A 0.56 Cents shall be auctioned on 9-8-2004, Monday at 11.00 AM on as-is-where-is basis in the presence of Officers of the Endowments Department in tender-cum-open auction. Those desirous of participating shall obtain and submit Demand Draft in favour of Adminstrative Oficer, Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham, Tirupathi on any Nationalized Bank for Rs.5,00,000/- (rupees five lakhs only) towards Earnest Money Deposit and participate in the auction. (Cheques are not accepted).
1) Successful bidder shall pay 1/3 rd of the bid amount soon after the completion of the auction. (Earnest Money Deposit shall be treated as seperate)
2) Soon after obtaining the approval orders from Commissioner, Endowments Department, Hyderabad, balance amount shall be settled within 15 days and land should be registered at their own cost.
3) Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham reserves the right to postpone, or cancel the auction without assigning any reasons.
4) The land shall be handed over soon after the completion of registration process.
For other conditions, details, The Adminstrative Oficer, Sri Swami Hathiramji Matham, Tirupathi may be contacted either directly or through Ph.No.2220015 during the office hours (excepting during Government Holidays).
SRI ARJUNDAS JI (Sd)M.SANJEEVAREDDY
SRI MAHANTH ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICER
SRI SWAMI HATHIRAMJI MATHAM SRI SWAMI HATHIRAMJI MATHAM
TIRUPATHI-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI-TIRUMALA
Note: This notice appeared in Eenadu, August 1, 2004. Tamil Nadu Edition on p.no.3 of the regional issue.
===========================================
Attachment B
Now Naidu eyes temple lands
Hindustan Times, July 07, 2003
Ashok Das
(Hyderabad, July 6)
The temple of Lord Venakateswara at Tirupati is lucky. The Andhra Pradesh government has finally backed off from its demand for Rs 36 crore from this cash-rich shrine, in the wake of public outcry and a litigation in the high court.
However, lesser known temples are not so lucky. The government has initiated moves to take away temple lands and distribute them among poorer sections in the name of social justice. According to endowment department sources, around 80 per cent of the 27,000-odd temples have no income other than what they get from the vested lands. And once the lands are taken away, puja in many temples will have to be stopped.
The decision to acquire endowment lands was prompted after district collectors reported the unavailability of adequate government land and secondly because of litigation involving available lands. The government fixed a target of 8 lakh house site pattas this year, after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement at the TDPâs Tirupati meet.
Revenue officials said, the state needs around 40,000 acres to meet the target and by tapping endowment properties the state could meet only one third of the requirement. 3,000 acres of land have been identified for acquisition.
TDP leaders defend the governmentâs stand. âThe lands are under the templesâ control for namesake only. The people cultivating them are giving little or nothing. At least this way, it will serve a better cause,â said a TDP member.
Opposition parties have assailed the move. "The endowment lands come free as government-appointed officials control the temples and few would dare to challenge the order," said a BJP leader.
Endowment records show the government acquired temple lands several times in the past for bus stands, police stations, government offices, hospitals, power stations etc. It was yet to reimburse Rs 28 crores to the endowment department towards the value of the acquired land.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/printed.../detNAT19.shtml