Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Chennai, Nov 5 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday distributed checks to students of temple training schools run by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, marking a significant increase in the incentive amount for both full-time and part-time trainees.
A total of 363 students from 18 temple training schools across Tamil Nadu – including 297 full-time and 66 part-time trainees – received the enhanced incentive under the latest amendment announced in the 2025-26 state budget.
The training schools functioning under various temples managed by the HR&CE department include schools providing archaka (priest) training and related temple service courses.
Under the revised scheme, full-time trainees will now get Rs 10,000, while part-time trainees will get Rs 5,000 as monthly incentive.
At a function held in Chennai, the Chief Minister symbolically presented checks to 10 students representing all the institutions under the programme.
Tracing the development of the scheme, officials said that in 2022, full-time trainees were provided a nominal amount of Rs 1,000 per month, while part-time students received Rs 500. Next year (2022-23), the incentives were increased to Rs 3,000 and Rs 1,500 respectively.
In November 2023, on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the stipend was increased to Rs 4,000 for full-time trainees and Rs 2,000 for part-time trainees, as part of the government’s efforts to encourage traditional temple education.
The current hike – announced by Chief Minister Stalin during the budget session of 2025-26 – represents the largest ever revision in the history of temple training schools, signaling the state’s commitment to nurturing young candidates entering the priesthood and allied temple service professions.
HR&CE department officials said this increase will benefit students undergoing training in agam, rituals, temple administration and related subjects, thereby ensuring that they receive adequate financial support during their training period.
“The enhanced incentives are aimed at promoting continuity in temple traditions while empowering youth from diverse backgrounds to take up this sacred profession,” an official said.
The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader mission to modernize temple management, enhance inclusivity and ensure level playing field in the recruitment of archakas and other temple functionaries.
–IANS
aal/vd