Vijayawada: Anam Ramanarayana Reddy has assumed office as the Endowments Minister, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding temples’ sanctity and assets across Andhra Pradesh. Taking charge at the Endowments Commissionerate, he vowed to uphold Chief Minister’s directives and protect temple lands diligently.
Among his initial measures, Minister Ramanarayana Reddy doubled the stipend for priests under the ‘Dhupa Deepa Naivedya scheme’ from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000. He also initiated the formation of a committee comprising senior officials to oversee temple reconstruction projects, ensuring their sanctity and dignity are preserved.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage with over 26,000 temples, Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy pledged to rectify any mismanagement of temple assets and income. He stressed the collective responsibility to uphold Hindu Dharma, noting ongoing reforms starting at Tirumala.
The minister announced the upcoming operationalization of a new office at the Secretariat from July 3, signaling a new era for the department. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior officials including S. Satyanarayana, Commissioner of Devadaya and Charitable Affairs, and Additional Commissioners T. Chandrakumar and K. Ramachandra Mohan.
