Devasthan, Dairy, and Gopalan Minister Joraram Kumawat responded to former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s tweet regarding Galta Peeth. He stated that approval for Rs 48 lakh has been granted for necessary work at Galta Ji and its subordinate temples, as well as for service worship at the temples.
Regular Arrangements For Service Worship At Temples
Kumawat added that, following the government’s order, regular arrangements for bhog samagri and garlands are being made at the temples, with priests performing service worship and offering Hanuman Ji’s Mukharvind. He dismissed Gehlot’s statement as untrue.
Festivals And Events At Galtaji
Kumawat further emphasised that the government has organised grand celebrations for festivals like Tulsi Jayanti, Janmashtami, Navratri Utsav, Kanya Pujan, Deepotsav during Diwali, Chhath Utsav, and Dev Deepawali at Galtaji. Payments for priests, security personnel, gausevaks, and sanitation workers at Galtaji and its subordinate temples for December and January have also been made.
Increased Bhog Raag And Priest Honorarium
The Minister also announced that the Bhog Raag amount will be increased. In a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at Rajasthan Mandapam in Prayagraj, it was decided to double the Bhog Raag to Rs 3,000 per temple for arrangements of service, worship, bhog, prasad, festivals, dress, water, lighting, etc. Additionally, the honorarium for part-time priests working in these temples has been raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,500 per month.
Rs 101 Crore Budget For Temple Renovations
A Rs 101 crore budget has also been allocated for the renovation, repair, and development of temples under the Devasthan Department, and Rs 25 crore has been approved for the renovation of temples outside the state.
Development Of Temples And Faith Centres
Regarding the tweet from Gehlot, Kumawat said that they follow Sanatan and believe in the philosophy of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.” He criticised the previous government for focusing on facilities in madrasas to gain Muslim votes, spending crores of rupees on them. Kumawat added that the Bhajan Lal government has announced Rs 300 crores for the development of 20 temples and faith centres and Rs 100 crores for the construction of the Khatu Shyamji temple corridor in the 2024-25 state budget. With the aim of promoting religious tourism in the state, 12 temples will be renovated, and other development projects will be carried out.
Funding For Decorations And Aartis At 593 Temples
Additionally, Rs 13 crores has been allocated for special decorations and aartis during major festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Ram Navami at 593 temples across the state. The government has issued strict instructions for the maintenance and smooth operation of temples, with regular reviews.
