The state government has initiated steps to identify and restore temple lands whose pattas were wrongly issued to private individuals and registered in computer chitta.
“The pattas of 468.87 acres of temple lands belonging to 107 temples that were erroneously transferred on to the names of private persons was restored in the names of temples,” says a policy note on the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) department tabled by its minister M.S.M. Anandan, in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Similarly, the registration of temple lands were changed and entered in the name of private persons in computerised chitta. All these errors came to light while updating temple registry.
During 2011-12, pattas for 167.48 acres of lands belonging to 8 temples were restored. Also, about 119.71 acres of encroached lands have been retrieved.
The noble scheme of providing annadhanam is benefiting over 31,575 devotees and Rs 6.32 lakh is being spent. This scheme was implemented in 360 temples during the 2001-06 AIADMK rule, and extended to 'only two temples' in the subsequent DMK regime.
During 2011-12, this 'laudable scheme' was further extended to 106 temples besides, it was revitalized through some correctional measures to improve the quality of food and service. Presently, the scheme is in force in 468 temples.
“As ordered by the chief minister, this scheme will be extended to 50 more temples during the current financial year,” the policy note added.
Steps would be taken to strengthen the special revenue units and revenue courts with a view to collect the revenue without arrears and settle land disputes.