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The Karnataka government has issued an order banning the use of mobile phones in all 35,000 temples across the state that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Religious and Charitable Endowments, better known as the Mazari Department.
The department issued a circular on July 17, asking temple authorities to put up signs informing devotees of the restriction.
The government’s decision to implement the ban is based on the observation that the use of mobile phones in temples is on the rise, causing disturbances for both temple employees and fellow worshipers, according to the circular. Therefore, individuals are now instructed to turn off their mobile phones while inside the temple premises.
The order signed by the Additional Secretary of the Mazrai Division required the temple administrators to arrange for these instructions to be displayed on signboards within the temple premises. However, the details regarding the implementation of the ban and the actions to be taken against those who do not comply with it are not clearly defined.
The temples of the Mazrai division are categorized into three divisions on the basis of revenue generation. Category A includes 201 temples generating over Rs 25 lakh per annum, Category B includes 139 temples with annual revenues exceeding Rs 5 lakh, and the 34,223 temples are classified under Category C.
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