Andhra Pradesh Government Increases Salaries for Temple Workers, Plans Major Religious Tourism Push

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to increase the salaries of 1,683 Archakas (priests) working in temples across the state, raising their monthly pay from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. This move, approved during a review meeting led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu with Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy and senior officials, will add an additional burden of Rs 10 crore annually on the state exchequer.

In addition to the salary hike, the government has also decided to double the financial assistance provided to small temples under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme, raising it from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. This increase will cost the state an extra Rs 32 crore annually.

The government will also provide a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 to unemployed youth who have pursued Veda Vidya. Furthermore, a minimum monthly salary of Rs 25,000 was announced for Nayee Brahmins (barbers working in temples).

As part of broader administrative reforms, the government will add two more members to the trust boards of temples with revenues exceeding Rs 20 crore, increasing the number of board members from 15 to 17. The new appointments will include a Brahmin and a Nayee Brahmin, fulfilling a promise made by the NDA during the election campaign.

Chief Minister Naidu also responded to requests from Arya Vysya community organizations by directing the Endowments Department to officially recognize the day on which Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari performed Atmarapana, ensuring the associated rituals are performed annually.

To promote religious tourism, the government will establish a cabinet sub-committee comprising the ministers of Endowments, Forest, and Tourism Departments. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of completing works under the Common Good Fund (CGF) and Srivani Trust that were initiated by the previous government. He announced that each temple would receive Rs 10 lakh under the Srivani Trust, with additional funds available after a review of ongoing projects.

Naidu emphasized the need for accountability in the use of Srivani Trust funds and directed the formation of a committee to protect temples and their assets. The Endowments Department was also instructed to revive the Krishna and Godavari River Harathis and to implement an online system for all temples. The Chief Minister underscored the importance of making temples places of peace and harmony, preventing proselytization, and ensuring that only Hindus work in temple premises.