Yogi govt tables bill for formation of Shri Banke Bihari Temple Trust in UP assembly

Lucknow, Aug 2025 : The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath introduced the Banke Bihari Temple Trust Bill on the third day of the Monsoon Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday. The bill stipulates that the trust will have complete rights over the offerings, donations, and all movable and immovable assets of the temple.

This includes the idols housed in the temple, gifts and offerings made to the deities within the premises, assets provided for worship, rituals, or ceremonies, as well as all cash, kind, bank drafts, and cheques sent for temple use. Temple properties will also encompass jewellery, grants, contributions, hundi collections, and other associated assets.

At 11 a.m. today, the House commenced a continuous 24-hour discussion on the Viksit Bharat, Viksit UP Vision Document 2047. During this discussion, the government is presenting department-wise achievements and plans, while the opposition continues to raise questions.

The government said the trust will preserve the traditions of Swami Haridas, with all customs, festivals, rituals, and ceremonies continuing unchanged. It will set darshan timings, appoint priests, decide salaries, ensure devotee safety, and manage the temple’s administration.

Following the formation of the trust, the objective is to provide devotees with world-class amenities. Proposed facilities include prasad distribution, a dedicated darshan path for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, drinking water points, resting benches, access and queue management kiosks, cow shelters, an Annakshetra, kitchens, hotels, inns, exhibition halls, canteens, and waiting rooms.

Trust Structure

The trust will comprise 11 nominated members and 7 ex officio members. Among the Nominated Members, 3 eminent representatives from Vaishnav traditions/sects/peeths (including sadhus, saints, gurus, scholars, mahants, acharyas, or swamis). 3 eminent representatives from other Sanatan Dharma traditions/sects/peeths (same category as above). 3 eminent personalities from any branch or sect of Sanatan Dharma (such as scholars, educationists, entrepreneurs, professionals, or social workers), and 2 representatives from the Goswami tradition—descendants of Swami Haridas Ji (one representing Raj-Bhog Sevadaars and one representing Shayan-Bhog Sevadaars).

All nominated members must be Sanatani Hindus, with a tenure of three years. Ex-officio Members will include the District Magistrate of Mathura, Senior Superintendent of Police, Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, the CEO of Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Kshetra Vikas Parishad, the CEO of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust, and one nominated representative of the state government.

If any ex officio member is a non-Hindu or non-believer of Sanatan Dharma, a junior officer will be nominated in their place.
The trust will meet at least once every three months, with a mandatory 15-day prior notice. Members will not be held liable for actions taken in good faith. The trust may independently purchase movable or immovable property worth up to ₹20 lakh; purchases above this amount will require government approval. The Chief Executive Officer will be an officer of ADM rank.

This bill formalizes the temple’s administrative framework while safeguarding its centuries-old religious traditions, offering a roadmap for improved management and an enhanced experience for devotees.