Karnataka State Legislature passed the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Karnataka’s Temple Tax Amendment Bill, 2024.
Key Highlights Karnataka’s Temple Bill:
- The HRI & CEA Bill aims to amend the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997.
- The bill proposes a collection of 5% from temples earning between ₹10 lakh and less than ₹1 crore, and 10% from those earning over ₹1 crore, for a Common Pool Fund.
- This fund, overseen by the Rajya Dharmika Parishath, will support the welfare of approximately 40,000 priests and employees, including insurance, death relief, and scholarships for their children, as well as the maintenance of ‘C’ category temples with annual incomes under ₹5 lakh.
- The Muzrai Department administers around 35,000 Hindu religious institutions in Karnataka, which receive government grants.
Comparison with Other States:
- In Telangana, religious institutions with annual incomes over ₹50,000 contribute 1.5% to the state.
- Kerala’s temples are managed by state-run Devaswom Boards.
- Uttarakhand released 51 temples and shrines, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri, from state control in 2021.
Important Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 197 of the Constitution: If the Legislative Council rejects a bill, takes no action for over a month, or passes it with amendments the Assembly disagrees with, the bill is considered passed by both houses.
- Concurrent List: The management of religious endowments and institutions is covered under the concurrent list in Schedule VII of the Constitution.
- Article 25(2): It allows the state to regulate secular activities of religious places and promote social welfare and reform.
Ref:Source
| UPSC IAS Preparation Resources | |
| Current Affairs Analysis | Topperspedia |
| GS Shots | Simply Explained |
| Daily Flash Cards | Daily Quiz |