[Beerinkol]

Dear Prasadji, Vganeji

As a founder-member of a Committee [that I founded in 1977], we have come a long long way in
constructing 3 new Raja Gopurams, renovations and performing 5 Kumbabishekams in a
"Paadal Petra Sthalam" - Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Thirukkoil, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.

The main reason why Gujarat and Gujaratis are a "head ahead" is because of no Governmental
interference. We have struggled to get files moving and cleared in the Endowment Board.

The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Dept [ HR & CE ] controls and administers over 38,000
Temples in Tamil Nadu. TN, you has been ruled by Dravidian parties [since 1967] that have rationalist
leanings. Even the appointments of Trustees [ Arangavalars ] goes only to party functionaries.

The HR & CE [ headed by a Commissioner - IAS Officer ], functions like any other typical Govt Dept., under
Commercial Taxes & Religious Endowments [ CT & RE ] with staff being selected through TNPSC and getting their departmental postings and promotions, with passage of time and can rise to the level of Deputy Commissioner.
HR & CE appoints Executive Officers for Temples based upon their revenue - Asst. Commissioner / Deputy Commissioner.

Everything that ails any Govt Dept also infects the HR & CE and these inherent ills percolate down the
hierarchy - down to the last sweeper / watchman. Staff so appointed by the TNPSC enjoy parity with
staff of other Govt. Depts - secure jobs, regular promotions, OT, LTC etc.
For such staff recruited by the TNPSC, a temple is a place or work, where they get their remuneration
- not a place of worship - such staff even get posted for election duty and census duty.

One has to get a G.O. [ Govt. Order] for any work to be carried-out. Papers have to be put up through
the Arangavalr Kuzhu, endorsed by the E.O., and then carried by Tapal to HR & CE, where our proposal
may or may not find a place on the "Agenda" for months.

There have been many representations from various groups to get the Temples out of Govt control and
hand them back to Mutts and Adheenams. But with certain recent happenings, these calls have been
subdued - if not muted altogether.

Handing over to Corporate Organisations is an option - the TVS Group, by themselves manage a set
of Temples - known as Nava Tirupathi.

Gujarat and Gujaratis will have the upper hand over TN, until Temples and their legacies stays in
Govt Control.

Guruvethunai
Yay Yem