Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enhance the security, transparency and accountability of donations collected in temples managed by the state’s Muzarai Department.
Under the new guidelines, all temples under the department’s jurisdiction must install CCTV or web cameras to monitor hundis (donation boxes) from all four sides. The footage will be stored on a central server and monitored regularly by the Muzarai Department and the police at the district and taluk levels.
To promote cashless donations, the government has made it mandatory for temples to provide QR code-based digital payment facilities linked directly to the temple’s official accounts. The QR codes must prominently display the temple’s bank account and IFSC details.
The SOP also prescribes stricter procedures for hundi counting. Revenue Department officials must be present during the process, with counting to be conducted weekly in major temples and once every fortnight in smaller temples. Gold, silver and other valuables found during the exercise must be deposited in the district or sub-treasury on the same day.
The entire counting process will be video-recorded, while staff involved will undergo face recognition-based attendance and declare any cash in their possession before entering the counting area.
To minimise irregularities, the government has recommended deploying Home Guards, bank employees or other government staff instead of members of the public for hundi counting.
The SOP also fixes accountability, stating that temple authorities and concerned taluk-level officials will be held directly responsible if any theft, misappropriation or irregularity is detected during the handling or counting of donations.
