Tue Dec 24 07:17:52 UTC 2024: **Tamil Nadu Temple Officials Protest Workload, Demand Trustee Appointments**
CHENNAI, December 24, 2024 – Executive officers (EOs) of Tamil Nadu temples launched a protest today, demanding the appointment of trustees and accounting clerks to alleviate their heavy workload. The Tamil Nadu Temples Executive Officers Federation, representing approximately 600 EOs responsible for over 40,000 temples, claims the current situation is unsustainable. Many EOs are wearing black badges in protest.
The Federation cites several key issues: the expiry of trustee terms leaving many temples without oversight; interference from local politicians hindering the profitable utilization of temple properties recently recovered; and a lack of accounting clerks (vasool gumaastha), forcing EOs to manage accounts themselves. Further demands include e-tendering reforms for works exceeding ₹50 lakh and geographical restrictions on transfers alongside time-bound promotions. The Federation threatens larger protests at the end of the month if their 16 demands are not met.
First Piper 