The Himachal Pradesh government has turned to temples for funds to fund welfare schemes. The move has been condemned by the opposition BJP as ‘shocking’ and ‘unacceptable’ The hill state has been hit by a wave of flash floods and landslides since August 2023. In August alone, 30,000 people died in floods triggered by cloudbursts over Kullu, Andla and Shimla districts. The administration has issued an alert to the people living in the Kulli, Shimla and Andla districts to prepare for more landslides and flash floods in the coming months. The state’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department sought contributions for charitable activities and welfare schemes run by the state. It said contributions must \”first be passed by the temple trust\” and in strict adherence to any and laws governing the trusts, their functioning, and donations, the government said. The government hit back sharply with state unit boss Pratibha Singh stressing donations had been sought from the public at large and not just temples. She said: \”Our government is running the schemes for a good cause…. for helpless children and to support their education and give them a better life… It is not only about temples. We are calling on everyone who can to donate an amount for the welfare of children\”
