NDA government fulfilled 10 of 11 promises related to Endowments Department, says Minister

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has implemented 10 of the 11 election promises relating to the Endowments Department within two years of assuming office, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said on Monday.

Releasing a report on the department’s achievements at a media briefing at the Secretariat, Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said the government remained committed to protecting Sanatana Dharma and had taken several measures to strengthen temple administration. He alleged that temples had suffered neglect during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure.

Detailing the welfare measures, the Minister said the monthly honorarium for Vedic scholars had been increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, benefiting 188 scholars. Financial assistance for dhupa-deepa-naivedyam in 6,137 temples with annual incomes of less than ₹50,000 had also been increased to ₹10,000 per month and was being credited directly to the bank accounts of priests.

To strengthen temple security and safeguard temple properties, high-power committees had been constituted at the State and district levels. The committees comprise senior police and revenue officials, including the Director General of Police, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police.

Referring to land-related grievances, Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said the government had initiated a review of alleged irregularities relating to the inclusion of private lands under Section 22-A during the previous regime. He said no-objection certificates would be issued to affected farmers after due verification.

Announcing preparations for the Godavari Pushkarams, the Minister said the 12-day festival would be held from June 26 to July 7, 2027. Arrangements are being overseen by a 12-member ministerial committee and Special Officer Veerapandian, a senior IAS officer.

He said reconstruction works at 162 temples in the Godavari basin, estimated to cost ₹71.60 crore, would be completed by March 2027.

The Minister further said an AI-based integrated command and control system had been launched at Tirumala, which, he said, contributed to a record 25.46 lakh pilgrim visits in May 2026.

Principal Secretary (Endowments) Hari Jawahar Lal, Endowments Commissioner Ramachandra Mohan, Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation Chairman Bucchi Ramaprasad and others were present.