In a major decision today, the Telangana government mandated the use of swiping machines at all major temples across the State to promote cashless electronic transactions.
Because temple revenue depends on liquid cash, it has reportedly been hit by demonetization, and hence the government wanted to replace ballot boxes (Hundis) with card swiping machines. The State government is pushing for cashless transactions as per the Centre's request.
According to information, Endowment Minister A Indrakaran Reddy asked officials to introduce swiping machines at major temples so that devotees can donate without hurdles. Taking cue from Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, officials of the endowment wing are in the process of upgrading the websites to receive online donations.
Reddy said that due to dearth of hard cash in the wake of demonetization, steps were being taken to make use of swiping machines in major temples including at Yadadri, Vemulawada, Kondagattu, Basara.
Similarly booking cottages, darshan tickets, special pujas and other temple services will go online to avoid cash transactions.