Shimla/IBNS: Battling a huge monetary crisis triggered by a series of devastating landslides and flash floods over the past two years, the Himachal Pradesh government has turned to temples for relief and financial support to fund certain government welfare schemes.

The opposition BJP has condemned the move calling it "shocking ".

Ex-Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said: "No past government has ever used temple trust funds for budgetary schemes... using temple funds for regular government expenses is completely unacceptable."

In a notification dated January 29, the state's Social Justice and Empowerment Department sought "contributions for charitable activities and welfare schemes run by the state".

The funds were specifically sought for two specific schemes including Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashray and Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana.

These schemes were notified in February 2023 and September 2024.

"The various temple trusts functioning under the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions Charitable Endowment Act keep making contributions... may make contributions towards the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashray and Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana, with a view to provide funds for the above-mentioned welfare schemes," the state notification said.

Contributions, however, must "first be passed by the temple trust" and in strict adherence to any and laws governing the trusts, their functioning, and donations, the government said.

Opposition slams move:

Jairam Thakur accused the ruling Congress of taking money from temples after making adverse comments about 'sanatan dharma'.

"The government has issued an order, followed by repeated follow-ups, urging temple trusts to send all available funds as soon as possible," he stated, "This is shocking and unfortunate."

"If funds were needed during a crisis, such as during COVID or natural disasters, and directed to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for humanitarian aid... that would have been understandable."

"On the one hand, Congress' leaders insult 'sanatan dharma' and its followers and, on the other, they want to use temple donations to fund their policies. This decision is bizarre and must be opposed by everyone... including temple committees and the general public," he said.

Himachal government responds:

In a sharp response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu's government said donations had been sought from the public at large and not just temples.

"Our government is running the schemes for a good cause.... for helpless children and to support their education and give them a better life... It is not only about temples. We are calling on everyone who can to donate an amount for the welfare of children," Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh said.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi also defended the government's move, asking why taking donations for welfare schemes would be considered 'bad'.

He pointed out that the previous BJP government had taken money from temples during the pandemic; the reference was to the Kali Bari Mandir donating Rs 25 lakh to a relief fund in April 2020.