Tamil Nadu CM Announces Enhanced One-Time Pooja Scheme Funding for Temples

Honorable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin has announced an increase in funding for the One-Time Pooja Scheme for temples. The grant per temple has been raised from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.50 lakh, benefiting 17,000 temples. Additionally, 1,000 more temples will be included in the scheme, with a total government grant allocation of ₹110 crore.

Today at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister handed over the sanction order for ₹85 crore towards the enhanced grant for the existing 17,000 temples under the scheme. Additionally, ₹25 crore has been allocated for the 1,000 newly included temples. This funding will be disbursed through the Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The Chief Minister handed over the sanction order to the Finance Secretary, Thiru. P. Udhayachandran IAS. Furthermore, appointment orders were distributed to 10 archakas (priests) for the temples added under the scheme.

Background and Expansion of the Scheme

• In the 2021-2022 State Budget, a grant of ₹130 crore was allocated to implement the One-Time Pooja Scheme for 12,959 temples, increasing the grant per temple from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
• In 2022-2023, the scheme was expanded to include 2,000 more temples, with an additional ₹40 crore government grant.
• In 2023-2024, another 2,000 temples were included, with ₹40 crore funded through government and donor contributions.
• For 2024-2025, the grant per temple has now been increased to ₹2.50 lakh, covering 17,000 temples. Additionally, 1,000 new financially struggling temples will be included, with a total government funding of ₹110 crore.

Previously, archakas serving in these temples were receiving a monthly honorarium of ₹1,000. With this expansion, the 1,000 newly added temples will also benefit from this scheme.

Education Support for Priests’ Children

Considering the welfare of priests’ children, the government has provided educational assistance of ₹10,000 each to 900 students over the past two years.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by Minister for Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Thiru. P.K. Sekar Babu, Principal Secretary Thiru. N.A. Muruganandam IAS, Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture, and HRCE Dr. K. Manivasan IAS, HRCE Commissioner Thiru. P.N. Sridhar IAS, Additional Commissioner Dr. C. Palani IAS, and Joint Commissioner Thiru. S. Balaraman.

Press Release: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9