1,400 temples will be built in AP: Minister

PNS|Vijayawada

Deputy Chief Minister and Endowments Minister Kottu Satyanarayana has said that an action plan is prepared to build around 1400 temples in slums and underprivileged areas across the state. Speaking to the media persons on Tuesday, the Minister said that as per the instructions of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy these temples will be constructed across 26 districts in the state.

Out of these temples, the Endowments department will construct 1,060 temples, while a voluntary organization Samaratha Seva Foundation has come forward to construct the remaining temples. The TTD will contribute Rs 10 lakh to each temple for the construction which includes Rs 8 lakh for the construction of the temple and the remaining Rs 2 lakh for the purchase of idols.

There is no involvement of contractors in the construction of these temples and GST will not be applicable, he said. If the local people/devotees come forward to spend some more money for the construction of the temple in addition to the Rs 10 lakh provided by the government, then the construction work of such temples will be handed over to them. The statue of lord Venkateswara will be given free by TTD to the temples. The idols of other deities required for the temples will be provided at a 25 percent discount by the TTD, he said.

The construction of the temples will be mentored by AE-level officers and where ever necessary, additional AEs are also being appointed on a contract basis. He said that the government will provide the necessary funds for the incense offerings of Swami in all these temples.

Minister Kottu Satyanarayana has made it clear that there is no hesitation in taking strict action against employees with negligent behaviour. He recalled that 15 employees were found with negligence during surprise checks by ACB.