Govt introduces new rules for Archakatvam in charitable Hindu temples

Amaravati: The State government introduced new rules and qualifications for hereditary Archakatvam.

Special Chief Secretary, Revenue (Endowments 1) department issued the qualifications and emoluments Rules,2019 for AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Hereditary Archakas, through GO MS No 76 on Monday.

These rules could also be called as Right to Archakatvam (Qualifications and Emoluments) Rules.

The government will introduce the 'Hereditary Archaka Scheme' in respect of those institutions where Hereditary Archakatvam was recognised as per the existing rules and Acts.

Based on the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987 the Governor made the rules framing a scheme stipulating the conditions of the service and payment of emoluments to Archakas as the same has been previously published as required under section 153 of the said Act vide G.O.Ms.No.76, Revenue (Endowments-I) Department, dated 16-02-2017.

The rules mandated the Commissioner, Endowments department to identify the Hereditary Archaka Families, whose members have been performing Archakatvam service and recognized under the Act. The identified families will be recorded in the 'Hereditary Archaka Scheme' to be prepared for each such institution.

Right to Archakatvam:

All qualified members who are above the age of 16 years belonging to the Hereditary Archaka Families under Rule 5 of these rules and who apply to be included in the 'Hereditary Archaka Scheme' will have right to Archakatvam.

As and when other members attain the age of 16 years they can file their respective claim with the concerned Authority for inclusion in the Scheme and the same will be recognized and 'Hereditary Archaka Scheme' shall be updated. There shall not be any transfers to the hereditary archakas.

There will be two categories of Hereditary Archaka in the institutions under the scheme, including Pradhana Archaka and Archaka in the categories 1 and 2 respectively.

The senior most qualified Hereditary Archaka belonging to the Hereditary Archaka family will be Pradhana Archaka the temple and such person shall be entitled to all honours.

The Benefits for the Hereditary Archakas will be incorporated in the 'Hereditary Archaka Scheme' for each institution published by the Dharmika Parishad.