Key Facts
In response to the alleged theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the Himachal Pradesh government has issued comprehensive directives to enhance security, transparency, and accountability in temples across the state. The orders, issued by Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary of Language, Art & Culture, apply to all temples owned or managed by the state government, as well as other temples under district administration or temple trusts.
Details of the Directives
Security of Donation Boxes
- All donation boxes must be tamper-proof and securely installed.
- Each box must have a unique identification number.
- Dual-lock or multi-key systems are required, with proper custody records.
- Repair or replacement of boxes must be documented.
Opening and Counting of Offerings
- Donation boxes will only be opened on approved dates by a duly notified committee.
- District magistrates may constitute appropriate committees.
- Opening and counting must be done in the presence of a committee including the executive officer, district administration representative, accounts officer, temple management representative, and independent witnesses.
- The entire counting process must be videographed, and the counting room must be under CCTV surveillance.
CCTV Surveillance
- High-resolution CCTV cameras with audio recording and night vision must cover all critical areas: corridors, entry/exit points, sanctum sanctorum vicinity, donation boxes, counting rooms, strong rooms, and jewelry storage.
- Footage must be retained for at least 180 days; permanent cloud storage may be considered.
- Regular checks ensure uninterrupted operation.
Cash Deposit Rules
- Cash must be deposited in the designated bank account within one working day of counting.
- Large amounts of cash should not be kept on temple premises except under special circumstances with written approval.
- Minimize multiple bank accounts; prefer a single account for better management.
- Negotiate with banks for best interest rates.
Accounting and Record Keeping
- All receipts of cash, jewelry, gold, silver, and other valuables must be recorded in registers and digital records.
- Separate registers for cash offerings, gold/silver jewelry, valuable items, foreign currency, and donations in kind.
- Digital accounting software should be used where possible.
Inventory of Valuables
- A complete inventory of jewelry and valuables must be prepared and updated periodically.
- Physical verification every quarter; annual verification by a government-nominated committee.
Audit and Access Control
- Monthly internal verification by temple officer; annual statutory audit completed on time.
- Surprise inspections and audits by department or district administration.
- Only authorized personnel allowed in counting rooms and strong rooms.
- Entry recorded via visitor register or biometric attendance where feasible.
- Staff handling cash cannot carry bags, mobile phones, or personal items into counting rooms.
Staff Rotation and Police Verification
- Staff handling cash and valuables must be rotated periodically; no one shall count donations continuously for extended periods.
- Police verification mandatory for all such staff; contractual agencies must also comply.
Strong Room Security
- Double-lock system for strong rooms; entry requires presence of at least two authorized officers.
- Adequate alarm systems and fire safety equipment installed.
Digital Donations
- Devotees encouraged to donate via UPI, QR codes, POS machines, and online banking.
- All digital transactions credited directly to the temple's official bank account.
Transparency and Reporting Irregularities
- Annual audited accounts to be presented to temple management committee.
- Information on utilization of donations displayed on notice board and official website.
- Any suspicion of theft, fraud, tampering, or irregularity must be reported immediately to local police, deputy commissioner, nearest executive magistrate, and Secretary/Director of Language, Art & Culture.
- Concealment or delayed reporting will attract accountability.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
Himachal Pradesh, known as Devbhoomi, has numerous temples and pilgrimage sites like Mata Chintpurni, Mata Naina Devi, Baba Balak Nath, Mata Jwala, Mata Brajeshwari, Kinnar Kailash, Manimahesh, and Shri Khad Mahadev, attracting millions of devotees annually. The government emphasizes that temple trusts and management committees have a sacred duty to maintain the trust of devotees. Non-compliance with these directives may lead to disciplinary and legal action.
FAQ
Why did the Himachal government issue these temple directives?
The directives were issued following the alleged theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, prompting a review of security and transparency in temples across Himachal Pradesh.
What are the key security measures for donation boxes?
Donation boxes must be tamper-proof, have unique IDs, dual-lock systems, and be opened only by authorized committees with videography and CCTV surveillance.
How will cash and valuables be handled?
Cash must be deposited within one working day, strong rooms require double locks and two authorized officers, and digital donations are encouraged.
What is the compliance timeline?
All state-owned temples must submit a compliance report within 30 days detailing current security, CCTV, audit, and inventory status.