The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government has withdrawn administrative approval for 46 projects worth Rs 245.85 crore that were sanctioned during the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) administration and were to be financed using temple resources.

The decision was announced by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, which said court-imposed stay orders and the financial burden on temples were the key reasons behind the move. The projects included the construction of marriage halls and commercial complexes across Tamil Nadu.

Marriage Hall and Commercial Projects Cancelled

According to the department’s order, administrative sanction has been revoked for 29 marriage hall projects with an estimated cost of Rs 115.77 crore.

Approval has also been withdrawn for 17 commercial complex projects valued at Rs 130.08 crore.

In total, 46 projects worth Rs 245.85 crore have been cancelled.

The department noted that construction work on none of the projects had begun despite the schemes having been announced earlier.

Government Cites Financial Considerations

The HR&CE Department said the decision was influenced by court stay orders affecting the projects as well as concerns regarding the financial burden such expenditure would impose on temples.

The move represents a departure from the previous government’s plans to utilise temple resources for community and commercial infrastructure projects.

Temple Funds to Be Used for New Schemes

According to the department, the funds originally allocated for the cancelled projects will now be diverted towards new initiatives intended to benefit temples and devotees.

The government said the revised approach would place greater emphasis on temple welfare and religious infrastructure.

The decision marks a significant shift in policy regarding the utilisation of temple resources, with the administration prioritising projects directly linked to the interests of temples and worshippers.

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