The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a comprehensive security advisory mandating tamper-proof donation boxes with unique identification numbers at all temples across the state, following the alleged theft of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
New guidelines for temple security
The six-page guidelines, issued by the Department of Language, Art and Culture, have come into immediate effect. They apply to both government-managed and other temples. Under the new norms, all donation boxes must be tamper-proof and assigned unique identification numbers. Donation boxes may be opened and offerings counted only on a date fixed by the competent authority and in the presence of a designated committee.
According to the guidelines, the entire counting process must be videographed, while the counting room must remain under CCTV surveillance throughout. Temple authorities have also been directed to install high-resolution CCTV cameras at entry and exit gates, around the sanctum sanctorum, near donation boxes, in counting rooms, strong rooms and jewellery storage areas. CCTV footage must be preserved for a minimum of 180 days.
Enhanced transparency and accountability
The state government has stepped up measures to safeguard donations at temples across the state, aiming to strengthen security, transparency and accountability. The advisory ensures that all donation handling processes are recorded and monitored to prevent any misappropriation.
