Himachal Pradesh mandates digital donations in temples
The Himachal Pradesh government has issued comprehensive guidelines to promote cashless donations at state-owned, managed, and other temples. Devotees will be encouraged to use UPI, QR codes, POS machines, and online banking to transfer offerings directly to the temple's official bank account. The directive aims to enhance transparency and security in temple finances.
Guidelines follow Ayodhya Ram Temple allegations
The advisory, issued by the Department of Language, Art and Culture, comes in the wake of allegations of misappropriation of offerings and donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The state government has instructed temple committees and trusts to immediately review their systems for safeguarding cash, jewellery, and other valuables.
Compliance deadline and security measures
Government-owned and managed temples have been given 30 days to submit a compliance report detailing existing security arrangements, CCTV coverage, audit and inventory status, banking status, gaps identified, and actions taken. All donation boxes must be tamper-proof, securely fixed, and have a unique identification number. They will be opened on a scheduled date fixed by a notified committee.
Mandatory videography and CCTV installation
The counting room must have CCTV cameras, and the entire counting process must be videographed. The advisory recommends installing CCTV cameras with night vision and voice recording at important spaces, including entrances, exits, and counting rooms. Footage must be retained for a minimum of 180 days, with the possibility of permanent cloud storage to be explored.
Record-keeping and employee verification
Every receipt of cash, jewellery, gold, and other valuables must be entered in registers and digital records. Monthly internal verification will be conducted by the temple officer, and the department or district administration may conduct surprise inspections and audits. The department has suggested that police verification of employees handling cash and valuables be ensured, and they should be rotated periodically. Temple management committees and executive officers will be responsible for compliance with these instructions.
