Online database of Madhya Pradesh temples soon

BHOPAL - Temples in Madhya Pradesh maintained by the state government will soon have computerised records and all information about them would be available online in an effort to prevent encroachment of their land, an official said Wednesday.

A database on such temples is being prepared by the state’s Department of Religious Trusts & Endowments and Information Technology (IT) department, said an official of the Religious Affairs department.

There are over 12,000 temples that are maintained by the state government and many of these own land worth crores of rupees but there have been reports of encroachment and illegal possession of temple land.

Laxmikant Sharma, minister for culture and religious affairs, told IANS that the information technology department had given a presentation on the computerisation of temple records. This is being undertaken to streamline the information about government-maintained temples. This information would later be provided online, he said.

The database would contain information about the temple land and if there are any houses or shops on the premises. Details about the temple’s financial condition and the building would also be maintained.