Andhra Pradesh expands temple welfare schemes, says Minister Reddy

Andhra Pradesh is widening its push for temple-based spirituality, with the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam scheme now operating in 6,254 temples at an annual cost of roughly ₹75 crore, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said on Monday.

The Minister spoke after presenting silk robes on behalf of the State government to Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Swamy at Kanipakam, marking the start of the temple's annual Brahmotsavams. The festival will run until October 4.

Mr. Reddy said monthly assistance under the scheme has been raised from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. For development and reconstruction across 767 temples, the government has sanctioned ₹908 crore through the Common Good Fund.

A separate effort through the Sri Vani Trust aims to build 5,000 bhajana mandirs, backed by an allocation of about ₹750 crore. Of this, ₹609 crore has already been sanctioned for 1,788 centres.

Preparations have also started for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, to be held from June 26 to July 7. The department has readied 375 proposals worth an estimated ₹87 crore.

Since the coalition government took office, trust boards have been formed for 996 temples, with the process under way for another 404, the Minister said.

Annadanam is offered at 111 temples, including daily service at 65, where about 80,000 devotees receive free meals each day. The government's annual spending on this is estimated at ₹158 crore.