Jharkhand: State Religious Trust Board sent notices to many temples, created political uproar

A decision of the State Religious Trust Board in Jharkhand has created a political uproar. The Religious Trust Board decided to dissolve the temple committee by sending notices to many temple managements of the state. Through the notice, orders have been given to dissolve the management committees of 15 temples including Pahari Temple of Ranchi, Bajrang Bali Temple of Main Road Ranchi, Bhadrakali Temple of Itkhori. Apart from this, notices have been sent to many management committees including Banshidhar Temple Garhwa, Deuri Temple Tamad and Kamare Ashram, asking for details related to the management.
Interference of administrative officials will be reduced
The interference of administrative officials in the new temple committees will be reduced. The committees which include DC or SDO will also be freed. The logic of the Trust Board behind doing this is that due to work the administrative officers are not able to devote time to the management of the temple. The Trust Board has also directed to take action against the managements who did not respond to the notice.
This decision is taken to make temples accessible
The Trust Board says that this decision has been taken to make the temple and religious places accessible to the devotees, but BJP is not liking this decision. Where BJP raised questions on the decision and said that the Religious Trust Board should work independently and impartially. BJP alleges that the Board should take account of not only the religious places of Hindus but also the Bakkaf Board. BJP has termed this decision as one-sided. While BJP is targeting the Religious Trust Board by raising questions on the board’s decision, JMM is also not shying away from retaliating against BJP’s attack.
Formation of new committees for improvement
The Trust Board has sent notices to many temple managements. Some have replied and the reply of some is still awaited. The Board says that some people have made religious places an institution of their own pocket and new committees will be formed to improve the same, but this decision of the Board is causing a stir in the political circles. It remains to be seen where the politics that started at religious places will end.