HYDERABAD: Archakas and other employees working in temples in the state will be given state government pay scales from November, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has announced. The ‘Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedyam’ programme, which is being implemented in 1,805 temples, would be extended to another 3,000 temples in the state and a Dharmika Parishad would be formed soon to monitor temple-related issues, he said at a meeting held with Archakas who came from all over the state at Pragati Bhavan here on Friday.
Earlier, 1,805 temples had been given D 2,500 a month for performing Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedyam offering to deities without interruption. “We will give `6,000 a month to another 3,000 temples. With this Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedyam scheme will cover 4,805 temples in the state,” he said. Rao noted that though Archakas held respect in society, a majority of them were finding it difficult to eke out a living. “Hereafter, around 5,625 Archakas and other employees of temples will get their salaries on the first of every month. Based on their status, they will get government employees’ salaries,” he said.