In Karnataka, the government is taxing the temples and without any justifiable legal authority is diverting their funds to enhance the Muslim-run madrasas and Christian-run churches. Not even in the former Godless Soviet Union was one religion sacrificed in favour of the other. In fact, no law of the land gives any right to the establishment for siphoning off Hindu funds for promoting Islam and Christianity.
According to statement of receipts and disbursements of revenues from temples and according to government of Karnataka statement of allocation of revenue for development purposes, revenues collected from temples during the years 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 were (Rs. in crores) 58.63 65.35 69.98 71, 72 and 79 respectively from the number of temples, which are 2,67,073; 2,67,000; 2,62,035; 2,54,038; 2,61,012 and 2,48,196 in the years 1997-98 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03. Disbursement of funds to madrasas, mosques, Haj Committee, compensation for Haj pilgrim victims was (Rs in crores) 14.25, 27, 35, 13.21, 45.34, 50, 58 and 1.15. The Christian institutions and churches received (Rs in crores) 5, 8, 8, 10, 10 and 12.75. Whereas funds for temple renovation and maintenance was disbursed (Rs in crores) 16.5, 15, 13.75, 11.5, 10 and 7.1.
Note: These are approximate figures.
Source: Chief Minister'sOffice, Vidhan Soudha, Bangalore
