Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reserved the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill for the consideration of the President of India.
Originally passed on March 6, 2024, the bill was resubmitted to the Governor on May 16, 2025. Its primary objective is to enhance the common pool fund derived from high-income generating temples, proposing an increase to 10 percent of the gross income from religious institutions that exceed an annual revenue of Rs. 1 crore.
Additionally, the bill aims to provide grants-in-aid specifically to religious institutions classified as Category-C, which typically have lower income or are in need of financial assistance. It also stipulates that four general members of the management committee must possess expertise in Vishwakarma Hindu temple architecture and sculpture.
In his order issued on Friday, Governor Gehlot expressed, “I believe it is prudent to reserve this bill for the careful consideration of the Honourable President to prevent potential constitutional complications, as it involves constitutional restrictions and requires thorough scrutiny.”
