Karnataka's Promise: Financial Support for Buddhist Monks

The Karnataka government is considering monthly payments to Buddhist monks in viharas, similar to current payments made to Jain and Muslim religious leaders. The proposal arose from acknowledgeable needs of about 80 viharas and 200 Buddhist monks without government support on operation and maintenance.

The Karnataka government is moving towards supporting religious diversity by considering monthly financial aid for Buddhist monks in the state. This proposal aims to provide remuneration similar to the financial support extended to Jain basadis and Muslim clerics.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, on behalf of Minority Welfare Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, confirmed ongoing discussions regarding this initiative. Currently, the Minority Welfare Department provides financial support to Jain priests and Muslim religious leaders as part of broader efforts to promote equality among different religious communities.

With about 80 Buddhist viharas and 200 monks operating without government grants, there is a pressing need for financial assistance. MLC Shivakumar K highlighted the monks' hardships, urging the government to offer monthly stipends of Rs 6,000 to monks and Rs 5,000 to their assistants, ensuring sustainable operations of these viharas.

(With inputs from agencies.)