Source: The Hindu
KERALA, INDIA, January 2, 2002: Tamil minority Brahmins in the state recently organized a march and protest against the State Government’s Malabar Hindu Religions and Charitable Institutions and Endowments Bill, 2001. Hundreds of women and even the elderly who normally do not leave their homes, walked down the main streets of Palakkad town. Belonging primarily to an organization called the Brahmin Sabha, the protesters feel that the bill has targeted over 96 temples and settlements run by its members. Apparently, endowments and trusts have already been set up to run these temples. The new bill will provide for a meagre government annuity and take over of the temples and their endowments. Mr. N.N. Ramachandram, the action committee chairman said, “the Kerala High Court order was meant for ensuring wages and welfare measures for the temple employees of Malabar.” However, the government has used the provisions of the bill to take over temples already run by various Hindu religious groups. Currently the Charitable Societies and Trusts Act provides for the welfare measures of its temple employees. Any breach of this act would result in action against the institution failing to dispense its duties.