Key Facts
The Baba Balak Nath Temple Trust in Deotsidh, Hamirpur district, has implemented major reforms to enhance transparency and security in handling offerings. Employees counting cash will now wear pocketless clothes, CCTV footage retention has been extended from 15 to 45 days, and live monitoring will be conducted from the Deputy Commissioner's office in Hamirpur.
Details of New Measures
Following a theft incident at Ayodhya's Ram Temple and a local discrepancy in offering counting, the trust has overhauled its procedures. Key changes include:
- Employees counting offerings must wear pocketless uniforms to prevent theft.
- CCTV cameras in the counting room will be upgraded and increased in number.
- Footage will be retained for 45 days instead of the previous 15 days.
- Live surveillance will be accessible to the DC Hamirpur from their office.
- Digital inventory system for gold, silver, ration, and other offerings.
- Bank employees will collect cash immediately after counting, rather than the next day.
Reason Behind the Reforms
On September 29, 2025, during a counting session, a bundle of Rs 500 notes was found to contain 140 notes instead of 100. CCTV investigation confirmed the discrepancy, leading to the arrest and suspension of counting clerk Keshav and accountant Guruchain Singh. Since October 10, 2025, several improvements have been implemented, and these new measures are a continuation of that process.
Impact on Temple Operations
The trust's annual income from offerings and other sources is approximately Rs 30-35 crore. In 2024, income was Rs 35.05 crore with expenditure of Rs 27.20 crore. The 2025 budget was Rs 37.05 crore. The trust also runs colleges and schools. Annual audits are conducted, and recoveries are made from staff if objections arise.
What Readers Should Know
The counting committee, headed by the temple officer, follows a standard operating procedure. Any changes require approval from the trust chairman and SDM Barsar. SDM Barsar and Trust Chairperson Swati Dogra stated, 'Comprehensive reforms are being implemented to make offering counting, ration sales, and other arrangements more transparent. The monitoring mechanism is being strengthened under the directions of DC Hamirpur.'
FAQ
Why are employees at Baba Balak Nath Temple wearing pocketless clothes?
To prevent theft or misplacement of cash offerings during counting, ensuring transparency and security.
What other security changes have been made at the temple?
CCTV footage retention increased from 15 to 45 days, live monitoring from DC Hamirpur office, and digital inventory for gold, silver, and other offerings.
What triggered these changes?
An incident on September 29, 2025, where a bundle of Rs 500 notes had 140 notes instead of 100, leading to arrests and subsequent reforms.
What is the annual income of the temple trust?
Approximately Rs 30-35 crore from offerings and other sources.