Bengaluru: According to reliable sources in the state government, in the last two days, all the temples in the state have been witnessing huge donations from unknown people in currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations, especially A-list temples which come under the muzarai category.
An officer from the revenue department told this newspaper, “We can get a clearer picture about this trend once we open the handis for counting. But as of now we have heard from temple staff that every temple is witnessing an off-season rush,” he said.
According to the officials, there is no clarity on donations accepted in the temples. “A simple understanding is that temple authorities can approach any bank and get the old notes exchanged. But it is not possible to trace who has made the payments,” he added.
Meanwhile, several city-based trusts which have interests in educational institutions are also facing problems over converting the donation money collected from students. “Several trusts are offering interest-free loans for their staff,” said an officer from education department.
Humanitarian approach
Even though Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes were withdrawn in many places, vendors, ticket sellers, BMTC and KSRTC crew members were found accepting them in cases of emergency. A BMTC conductor informed that a senior citizen wanted to buy a day pass, but he didn’t have the required notes. “Even though it is not accepted, I can change it in any bank,” he said.
