The Himachal Pradesh government, facing a financial crisis due to severe landslides and floods, has sought temple funds to support welfare schemes, sparking outrage from the opposition BJP. Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur condemned the move as unprecedented and unacceptable, alleging the Congress government is exploiting temple donations while simultaneously criticizing ‘sanatan dharma.’ The government defended its actions, arguing the donations have a noble purpose focused on child welfare, and also noted that previous governments have similarly utilized temple funds during crises. Meanwhile, the state continues to grapple with ongoing natural disasters and substantial financial challenges.
Shimla:
The government of Himachal Pradesh – grappling with a financial crisis largely caused by a series of catastrophic landslides and flash floods over the last two years – has turned to temples for financial assistance, aiming to fund various government welfare programs.
This initiative has been criticized by the opposition BJP as “shocking,” with former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur expressing his outrage, stating, “No previous government has ever utilized temple trust funds for budgetary purposes… the use of temple funds for ordinary government expenditures is entirely unacceptable.”
In a notification dated January 29, the state’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department requested “donations for charitable activities and welfare schemes operated by the state.”
Particularly, funding was requested for two specific initiatives – Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashray and Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana, which were announced in February 2023 and September 2024, respectively.
“The various temple trusts operating under the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions Charitable Endowment Act continue to make contributions… they may contribute towards the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashray and Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana to support the aforementioned welfare schemes,” the state’s notification stated.
However, contributions must “first receive approval from the temple trust” and comply with any relevant laws governing the trusts, their operations, and donations, as per the government’s statement.
BJP Critiques Temple Outreach
The outreach has faced backlash from the opposition BJP, with former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur accusing the ruling Congress of soliciting temple funds – they were instructed to “send all available funds” – despite previously making disparaging remarks about ‘sanatan dharma‘.
“The government has issued an order and repeatedly followed up, pressing temple trusts to send all available funds urgently,” he noted, “This is shocking and regrettable.”
“If funds were necessary during a crisis such as COVID-19 or natural disasters and were directed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for humanitarian purposes… that would have been understandable.”
“On one hand, Congress leaders insult ‘sanatan dharma‘ and its followers, while on the other, they wish to utilize temple donations for their policies. This decision is bizarre and should be opposed by all, including temple committees and the general populace,” he added.
Response from the Himachal Government
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu’s administration responded assertively, with state unit leader Pratibha Singh emphasizing that donations were sought from the general public and not solely from temples.
“Our government is implementing these schemes for a noble cause… to assist vulnerable children and enhance their education and quality of life… It is not exclusive to temples. We are appealing to everyone who can to contribute to the welfare of children,” she remarked.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi also defended the government’s actions, questioning why accepting donations for welfare schemes would be deemed ‘wrong’. He mentioned that the previous government, led by Mr. Thakur, had also received funds from temples during the pandemic, citing the Kali Bari Mandir’s donation of Rs 25 lakh to a relief fund in April 2020.
The Financial Crisis in Himachal
The magnitude of the financial difficulties confronting the Congress was highlighted in August last year when Mr. Sukhu and his cabinet announced that they would defer salaries and allowances for at least two months.
READ | Himachal Chief Minister, Ministers Defer Salaries For 2 Months
“After discussions in the Cabinet, all members decided that until the state shows signs of improvement… we will forgo salary, TA, or DA (Transport or Dearness Allowance) for two months. This is just a nominal amount… but it carries symbolic weight. Additionally, I requested all the MLAs…” the Chief Minister had informed reporters.
Reasons Behind Himachal’s Struggles
The hilly state has faced an onslaught of flash floods and landslides since August 2023.
And this unfortunate trend appears poised to continue into 2025.
Landslides erupted on Friday following nearly 24 hours of heavy rainfall in Kullu district; a video released by news agency ANI depicted a Maruti Alto car half-submerged in a turbulent stream of muddy water.
The sheer force of the water ultimately swept the hatchback away, with the video then zooming out to reveal a frightening river of debris, mud, slush, and water cascading past a small town, shrouded in a cold, grey fog.
#WATCH | Kullu, Himachal Pradesh | Footage from Kullu district, where persistent torrential rain for the past 24 hours led to flash floods and landslides. Recovery efforts for damaged vehicles are in progress.
The administration has alerted residents in the… pic.twitter.com/5hhif7eaVm
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
In August 2024 alone, over 30 individuals perished in floods prompted by cloudbursts in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts. Between June 27 and August 9, more than 100 lives were lost in rain-related incidents across other districts as well. The total damage was estimated at Rs 842 crore.
In 2023, the estimated damage amounted to Rs 10,000 crore.
ARCHIVES | 61 Dead, Loss Of Rs 10,000 Crore: Sukhu On Himachal Rains
The state received financial assistance from the central government and neighboring states, including Assam, Bihar, and Delhi.
ARCHIVES | Budget 2024: Rs 11,500 Crore Aid For Flood-Hit Himalayan States
However, the Himachal government has contended that the relief and rehabilitation funds provided by the center are inadequate. The state has also asserted that the center has not fully reimbursed its GST (Goods and Services Tax) dues, amounting to Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 crore, Mr. Sukhu stated last year.
With contributions from agencies
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