Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to Launch Welfare Initiatives for Village Temple Priests

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is set to attend a conference for village temple priests in Chennai, where he will launch new welfare initiatives. The event aims to enhance the financial security of priests, particularly in Adi Dravidar and tribal communities. With increased funding for temple renovations and a new monthly incentive scheme, the government is focused on improving the welfare of these religious functionaries. The conference will also outline broader plans for strengthening rural temple administration and ensuring the well-being of priests and their families.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 12:55 IST

Major Conference for Village Temple Priests in Chennai

Chennai, Feb 28: Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is set to attend a significant gathering of village temple priests in Mylapore, Chennai, this Saturday. During the event, he will distribute welfare assistance and unveil a new monthly incentive program for the priests.

This conference, organized by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, aims to address the welfare of priests serving in village temples, especially those in regions populated by Adi Dravidar and tribal communities that lack direct administrative oversight.

The department has been actively working on various initiatives to enhance the infrastructure of these temples and improve the social security of the priests.

Since taking office in 2021, Stalin has notably increased financial aid for the renovation of temples in Adi Dravidar and tribal areas.

The funding for temple restoration has risen from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.50 lakh per temple. To date, Rs 106.25 crore has been allocated to nearly 5,000 temples, with renovation efforts underway throughout the State.

Alongside infrastructure improvements, the government has intensified welfare programs for village temple priests. The monthly pension for qualifying priests has been raised to Rs 4,000. Additionally, a dedicated Village Temple Priests Welfare Board has been established to offer various benefits, including educational scholarships for children, marriage assistance, family welfare funds, and pensions.

During the conference, the Chief Minister will officially launch a new scheme that provides a monthly incentive of Rs 1,500 to village temple priests.

He is also anticipated to share the government's broader vision for enhancing rural temple administration and ensuring social and financial security for priests and their families.

Attendees at the event will include HR and CE Minister P. K. Sekar Babu, senior department officials, Chennai Corporation Mayor R. Priya, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly.

This conference is viewed as part of the State government's ongoing efforts to engage with grassroots religious leaders and to merge heritage conservation with inclusive welfare programs.