Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP coalition government has released a two-year report on the functioning of the Endowments Department, detailing more than ₹1,000 crore in allocations for temple development projects alone, besides expenditure on welfare schemes, digital initiatives, temple administration and preparations for the Godavari Pushkarams 2027.
Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy presented the report on June 22, which outlines the department’s expenditure, administrative reforms and implementation of manifesto commitments during the government’s first two years in office.
According to the report, financial assistance under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedya Scheme (DDNS) for temples with an annual income below ₹50,000 was increased from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per month from October 2024.
The scheme is currently being implemented in 6,137 temples, with annual expenditure rising from ₹35 crore to ₹73 crore.
The government also stated that ₹813 crore has been released through the Sarva Sreyonidhi (CGF) for the development of 692 temples.
Under the Srivani Bhajan Mandirs programme, the government has set a target of constructing 5,000 Bhajan Mandirs across the State at an estimated cost of ₹750 crore. So far, approvals have been issued for 1,270 Bhajan Mandirs with an allocation of ₹267 crore.
The report states that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been introduced across temples covering Annaprasadam, prasadam quality, queue management, sanitation, information systems and volunteer services.
It also highlights digital initiatives, including the Temple Management System (TMS) and the ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp service for darshan, accommodation, sevas, prasadam and donations. The WhatsApp service, which began with 840 transactions in January 2026, recorded 1.93 lakh transactions by May 2026, with a cumulative 4.29 lakh successful transactions.
The department has also initiated the digitisation of temple land records using blockchain technology.
The government said Trust Boards have been constituted for 970 temples, while appointments are under process for another 449 temples. Legislative amendments have also been made to ensure the inclusion of one Brahmin and one Nai Brahmin on every Trust Board.
The report further states that the Annaprasadam programme is being implemented in 111 temples, with daily Annadanam in 65 temples, benefiting around 80,000 devotees per day, 24 lakh per month and nearly 3 crore annually, at an annual expenditure of about ₹84 crore. The scheme is proposed to be extended to 59 more temples.
According to the report, visits to 54 major temples increased from 16.36 lakh devotees in 2024 to 19.28 lakh in 2025, reaching 24.75 lakh visitors so far in 2026.
It also cites higher footfall at temples including Indrakeeladri, Srisailam, Srikalahasti and Kotappakonda during major festivals.
The government has recognised festivals at 13 temples as State festivals and said additional funds are being provided for their conduct.
The report states that Master Plans are being prepared for 22 major temples, with seven already approved.
It also mentions the preparation of master plans for temples headed by Joint Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner-level Executive Officers. Approval has been granted to fill six Deputy Commissioner posts, five Assistant Commissioner posts, and 104 Grade-III Executive Officer vacancies, while recruitment has begun for 342 vacant religious posts.
The government said it is prioritising the protection of around 4.48 lakh acres of properties belonging to 22,672 temples through legal action against encroachments.
The department has appointed retired IAS officer N. Mukteswara Rao as Director of SITA to oversee training, Agama compliance and capacity building for temple personnel. It has also appointed retired IAS officer Dasari Srinivasa Rao as Chairman of the Hindu Dharma Protection Trust.
According to the report, the Trust has been revived, around 600 Telugu and Sanskrit scholars have been identified as Dharma Pracharaks, and programmes such as Aksharabhyasam, Harithaharam–Gundlakamma, Eruvaka Pournami, yoga and meditation have been launched through temples. The department also appointed Sitaramanjaneya Prasad as its advisor.
The report also states that the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Corporation has been brought under the Endowments Department through GO dated 9 June 2026, shifting it from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Department to improve coordination of Brahmin welfare, Vedic education and temple-related programmes.
For the Godavari Pushkarams 2027, scheduled from 26 June to 7 July 2027, the government said a 12-member ministerial committee has been constituted. The first phase includes 162 works worth ₹71.60 crore, covering Pushkar Ghat development, security, sanitation, traffic management and environmental measures under the ‘Green Pushkarams’ concept.
The report further states that, of the 11 manifesto commitments relating to the Endowments Department, the coalition government has implemented or initiated nearly 10, including enhancement of DDNS assistance, increased priest salaries, honorarium for Vedic scholars, higher wages for Nai Brahmins, restoration of heritage structures, constitution of Trust Boards, tourism circuits, a special inter-departmental committee and measures relating to temple protection.
This report is being presented following the directions of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to release ‘Progress Report 2024–26’, highlighting the coalition government’s achievements during its first two years in office. The reports are intended to serve as Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the seven White Papers issued after the government assumed office in 2024, detailing the action taken on issues highlighted in them.
