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  India   AP CM Chandrababu Naidu: Sins drive up temple profits

AP CM Chandrababu Naidu: Sins drive up temple profits

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : May 26, 2016, 1:50 am IST
Updated : May 26, 2016, 1:50 am IST

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said the income of temples in the state has grown 27 per cent and attributed it to “growing sins and increased troubles” of people.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said the income of temples in the state has grown 27 per cent and attributed it to “growing sins and increased troubles” of people. He added that people would go mad without temples, churches and mosques.

Delivering the inaugural address at the two-day conference of district collectors here, he said, “People are committing sins. Some are facing troubles and to get rid of them they are going to temples and praying. If they are facing more troubles and committing more sins, they are coming to temples and offering money. It’s a reality.”

“Not just temples, people are visiting churches and mosques for solace. Many people would have gone mad if there are no temples, churches or mosques,” he said.

He pointed out that the income of AP’s temples had grown 27 per cent without any effort from the authorities. While some were donating money as penance for sins, others were taking Ayyappa deekshas just to abstain from alcohol, he said, adding that income from liquor went down over the same period.

He added that the government, however, should spend the temples’ income on providing better services and effective scheme implementation.

Asking the district collectors to develop a “competitive spirit”, the CM said the 2015-16 financial year should be taken as the base year for competition among districts in various development indicators.

“Your focus should be on inclusive growth and balanced development. Also, strive to achieve at least 80 per cent satisfaction among people (in service delivery),” said Mr Naidu.

Location: India, Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada