Bengaluru: The Karnataka state government has decided to expedite the registration process for immovable properties, primarily land, belonging to 34,563 temples across the state.

The swift registration process intends to eliminate ambiguities over temple land ownership and prevent individuals from exploiting temple properties. This initiative is particularly focused on bringing clarity and transparency to the ownership of valuable temple lands, thereby mitigating feuds and unauthorized control.

Notably, the documentation of properties in Bengaluru, belonging to 10 major temples, has already commenced. Over the past six months, Bengaluru Rural district has witnessed the highest number of registrations, with 156 properties from various temples being registered under the names of their presiding deities. Other districts like Chikkaballapura, Dakshina Kannada, Chamarajanagar, and Tumakuru are also actively participating in this registration drive.

As per the TOI report, the state government initiated a detailed survey and digitization of temple records in 2020, encompassing multi-crore worth of immovable properties associated with thousands of temples. Subsequently, in 2021, the government took a decisive step to register all surveyed and demarcated immovable properties in the names of gods, thereby ensuring the state’s absolute ownership over these assets.

Acknowledging the significance of this registration process, Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy told TOI that the move aimed to prevent the misuse of temple wealth. Over the years, vast tracts of land were granted to temples by various kingdoms and rulers, and the current value of these properties runs into thousands of crores. The minister highlighted instances where temple properties were either leased out or given away for a nominal fee, leading to deprivation of crucial income for the temples.

Senior BJP MLC N Ravikumar supported the initiative, drawing parallels with the Wakf Board’s handling of Masjid properties. He advocated for the registration of temple properties in the name of the presiding deity, similar to the perpetual status of Wakf properties. This consolidation approach aims to protect temple assets and ensure they remain dedicated to their intended purpose, preventing unauthorized alienation.