Latest news with #Endowment
Hans India
16 hours ago
- General
- Hans India
Welfare Fund turns a boon for archakas, temple staff in state
As many as 18 Archakas and temple employees got over Rs 32 lakh under gratuity and medical benefits, thanks to the Archaka and Employees Welfare Fund started by the Endowments Department recently. Some of the employees got a benefit ranging from Rs 1 lakh to over Rs 6.5 lakh. The Archakas hailed the Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, stating that she had fulfilled the desires of priests and employees who have been working in the Endowment Department over the years. A special fund was set up for the welfare of priests and employees who were providing services in all temples for a long time. Endowment Minister Konda Surekha, Endowment Director Venkata Rao and other officials handed over the Archaka and Employment Welfare Fund cheques. Gratuity and medical assistance were provided to 18 employees through the Archaka Welfare Fund Trust. Konda Surekha handed over the cheque of Rs 32 lakh to the employees. Copies of the order were given to them as a farewell. Later, the minister felicitated the retired employees. Surekha explained that her government was committed to the welfare of Archakas and employees. She said that about 13,700 Archakas and other employees working in temples up to the level of Assistant Commissioner under the Endowment Department would benefit through this welfare trust. She said that posthumous or retirement gratuity would be given to priests and other employees. She said that posthumous gratuity would be given to the 'Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam' priests. She said that this fund would be used to pay ex-gratia paid posthumously and for the expenses of last rites. Under this fund, employees will be provided with medical reimbursement, marriage scheme, upanayana scheme, house construction, purchase and repair scheme, education scheme, financial assistance scheme for disabled employees who cannot perform their duties. 'We are indebted to Endowment Department Minister Surekhamma. Thank you Konda Surekha for resolving the issue which has been pending for years. The minister has helped us immensely. It is heartening to note that the posthumous or retirement gratuity scheme for regular priests and other employees has been increased from Rs 4 lakh lakh to Rs 8 lakh by the Welfare Board on May 28,' said an Archaka.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Archakas across state elated over govt steps
Hyderabad: Temples Protection Movement convenor and Hereditary Archaka of Chilkur Balaji Temple CS Rangarajan appreciated the targeted initiatives of the Telangana Government with regards to welfare of Archakas and Temple Employees of rural temples which have been long pending for over 17 years. Rangarajan said that Archakas and Temple employees across Telangana were welcoming the initiatives of the government led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy towards Archaka welfare fund trust. Setting up of the full fledged Trust was long pending after the State Bifurcation in 2014. Even the Archaka and Temple Employees Welfare Trust of undivided AP was established in 1997 after the Supreme Court Judgement on Archakas with the same objectives had not been completely implemented. Rangarajan said that the Endowments Minister Konda Surekha has fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of Archakas (temple priests) and employees across Telangana by establishing a dedicated welfare fund. This initiative aims to provide crucial support to those who have diligently served in temples for extended periods. On Monday, Endowment Minister Konda Surekha, joined by Endowment Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyar, Director Venkata Rao, and other officials, announced Archakas and Employees Welfare Fund. Konda Surekha explained that the government had made a significant decision benefiting these vital members of the temple community. She confirmed that approximately 13,700 priests and other staff working in temples up to the Assistant Commissioner level under the Endowments Department would receive assistance through this new welfare trust. The fund would provide posthumous or retirement gratuity to Archakas and other employees. Importantly, gratuity will now be paid posthumously to priests under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam scheme. Furthermore, ex gratia payments upon death and funeral expenses would also be covered by this fund. Beyond these provisions, the fund will offer various forms of financial assistance, including medical reimbursement, support for marriage ceremonies, Upanayana Sanskaram, house construction, purchase and repair, education, and aid for disabled employees unable to perform their duties.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Minister's welfare balm for Archakas across TG
Hyderabad: Endowment Minister Konda Surekha has fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of Archakas (temple priests) and employees across Telangana by establishing a dedicated welfare fund. This initiative aims to provide crucial support to those who have diligently served in temples for extended periods. On Monday, Endowment Minister Konda Surekha, joined by Endowment Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyar, Director Venkata Rao, and other officials, unveiled the poster for the Archakas and Employees Welfare Fund. Konda Surekha explained that the government had made a significant decision benefiting these vital members of the temple community. She confirmed that approximately 13,700 priests and other staff working in temples up to the Assistant Commissioner level under the Endowments Department would receive assistance through this new welfare trust. The fund will provide posthumous or retirement gratuity to Archakas and other employees. Importantly, gratuity will now be paid posthumously to priests under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam scheme. Furthermore, ex gratia payments upon death and funeral expenses will also be covered by this fund. Beyond these provisions, the fund will offer various forms of financial assistance, including medical reimbursement, support for marriage ceremonies, Upanayana Sanskaram, house construction, purchase and repair, education, and aid for disabled employees unable to perform their duties.
Shafaq News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sunni clerics cancel Mosul demonstration after political assurances
Shafaq News/ A planned protest by Sunni clerics in Mosul against alleged political interference in the leadership of the Sunni Endowment in Nineveh was abruptly canceled late Wednesday, with no official reason disclosed, according to religious sources familiar with the matter. 'The demonstration was scheduled for 10:00 p.m. at the historic Nabi Sheet Mosque in western Mosul,' the sources told Shafaq News, pointing out that organizers intended to denounce what they described as 'growing attempts by influential political factions to exert control over the Endowment's leadership' ahead of Iraq's parliamentary elections, set for November 11, 2025. Sources also noted that media access was barred at the mosque, and several clerics exited the site quietly and discreetly, explaining that the protest's sudden cancellation followed private assurances offered to the religious leadership that the Endowment's autonomy and spiritual role in Nineveh would be preserved. The identities of those who provided the guarantees were not disclosed. They claimed that certain political blocs have been pressuring to replace current Sunni Endowment director Youssef al-Abed Rabbo with politically aligned candidates—an effort that has met firm resistance from moderate Sunni religious figures. 'Al-Abed Rabbo had formally submitted his resignation to the central leadership of the Endowment, but it was rejected.'
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Hans India
Grand preps underway for 12-day Saraswati Pushkaralu: Ministers
Hyderabad: Endowments Minister Konda Surekha on Tuesday asked the officials to provide a safe, hygienic, and spiritually enriching experience to the devotees attending Saraswati Pushkaralu, which will be starting from May 15. The Endowments Minister along with IT Minister D Sridhar Babu reviewed the arrangements for the Pushkaralu. Surekha said that the government was making large-scale preparations to ensure smooth and grand celebrations for the upcoming Saraswati Pushkaralu at Triveni Sangamam near Kaleshwaram. With lakhs of devotees expected to visit the sacred site, both the ministers issued strict instructions to the Jayashankar Bhupalpally District Administration to complete all necessary arrangements well in advance. Senior officials including Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, DGP Jitender, Endowment principal secretary Shailaja Ramaiyar and R&B, Transport Principal Secretary Vikas Raj were overseeing coordination efforts across departments. The Minister said that drawing inspiration from the successful conduct of other major religious gatherings such as Sammakka–Sarakka Jatara, Komuravelli Jatara, and Bhadrachalam festivities, the government is committed to elevating the Saraswati Pushkaralu to the same level of reverence and organization. Daily rituals will begin with ceremonial baths conducted by respected religious leaders. The official inauguration on May 15 and 16 will be led by Sri Guru Madanananda Saraswati of Rangampet and Sri Madhavananda Saraswati of Medak, symbolising the deep spiritual roots of the event. Konda Surekha emphasised, 'No devotee should face any difficulty. All arrangements will be of the highest standard, reflecting our respect for cultural traditions and public welfare. The Congress government's all-round efforts aim to make the Saraswati Pushkaralu not just a religious celebration but a memorable and seamless experience for every pilgrim.' Event Timeline The 12-day Pushkaralu festival will begin on May 14 at 10:35 pm, coinciding with Jupiter's entry into 'Mithuna Rashi', marking a rare and auspicious period for holy dips in the Saraswati tributary of the Godavari River. Bathing ghats are being expanded and new ones added. Permanent toilets, drinking water stations, and waste management systems are being set up. Additional TSRTC buses will be deployed under the free travel scheme to ease pilgrim movement. Special attention is being given to crowd control and emergency readiness. First-aid centers, on-site medical teams, and special care zones for children, pregnant women, and senior citizens are being arranged to avoid inconvenience. A dedicated Pushkaralu portal and mobile app, launched by the Ministers, will provide pilgrims with live updates, maps of ghats, emergency contact details, and other important information. A toll-free helpline is also operational for public assistance.
