Fri Jan 24 19:53:46 UTC 2025: ## Banke Bihari Temple Granted FCRA Registration Despite Priests’ Claims of Unawareness

**Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, January 25, 2025** – The Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has been granted registration under India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), allowing it to receive foreign donations. However, temple priests have vehemently denied applying for the registration, alleging a potential conspiracy.

The Union Home Ministry approved the registration under the “Religious (Hindu)” category on Friday. This comes amidst an ongoing legal battle between the temple’s hereditary Sevayat Goswami priests and the Uttar Pradesh state government over control of the temple’s funds, estimated at ₹480 crore, excluding valuables. The state government is represented on the temple committee, which manages the temple’s affairs.

Priests Ashok and Gopi Goswami expressed shock and concern, stating they had received foreign donations for years but never initiated an FCRA application. They suspect the application was made by members of the temple committee, without their knowledge or consent. They fear the registration could lead to future accountability issues and misuse of funds.

The priests also cited the ongoing legal dispute regarding a proposed temple corridor project, currently before the Allahabad High Court. While the court has previously cautioned against government interference in temple affairs, the project is proceeding.

The FCRA registration, mandatory for NGOs receiving foreign funds, highlights a larger trend. Since 2022, 184 NGOs have received FCRA registration for religious activities, with 84 falling under the “Religious (Hindu)” category. The priests’ concerns underscore anxieties around potential government overreach and the safeguarding of temple assets. The matter remains under investigation and judicial review.

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