Guntur, April 17: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Guntur district unit, is set to organise a district-level awareness conclave on the autonomy of Hindu temples, with organisers stating that the event will be held on Sunday, April 19, at 4.30 p.m. at the Tyagaraja Cultural Association Hall, 2nd Line, Lakshmipuram.

Organisers pointed out that decades after Independence, Hindu temples continue to function without full administrative autonomy, and that government interference in their management runs contrary to Articles 12, 25, and 26 of the Constitution. They expressed concern over a range of issues, including increasing political interference in temple administration, the induction of non-Hindus into trust boards and temple employment, the alleged misappropriation of temple revenues, and encroachment upon temple lands.

The VHP has launched a nationwide movement with the objective of freeing temples from government control and vesting them with autonomous status, organisers said. As part of this campaign, a large public meeting was earlier convened in Vijayawada. Following an extensive study of temple conditions across several states and a series of consultations with legal and administrative experts, the organisation has prepared a draft model legislation, a copy of which has also been submitted to the State government, they added.

District-wise awareness conclaves are currently being conducted across the State to consolidate public opinion on the issue. Organisers urged prominent citizens, community leaders, and devotees from across the district to participate in the event and offer their suggestions. They also extended an appeal to all to join what they described as a people's movement for the restoration of Hindu temple autonomy.