The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust’s disclosure of the financial details for FY 2023-24 provides a clear picture of the ongoing efforts and financial commitments towards the construction of the Ram Temple.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a comprehensive review meeting held at Mani Ram Das Chhavni in Ayodhya, the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust presented detailed financial accounts for the fiscal year 2023-24. The Trust disclosed that a total of ₹776 crore was spent in the last financial year, with ₹540 crore allocated specifically for the construction of the Ram Temple. This brings the total expenditure on the temple’s construction to ₹1850 crore.
Financial Overview: FY 2023-24
Significant Spending on Construction
The Trust revealed that of the ₹776 crore spent in the last fiscal year, ₹540 crore was directed towards the ongoing construction of the Ram Temple. An additional ₹136 crore was allocated for other related expenses. These details were presented in the day-long meeting chaired by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the Chairman of the Trust. Key figures, including Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, were also in attendance.
Projected Expenditure for FY 2024-25
Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Trust, provided insights into the estimated expenses for the current financial year (2024-25). The Trust anticipates spending ₹850 crore on the continued construction of the temple and other associated activities. This projection highlights the significant financial commitment required to complete the historic project.
Revenue Generation and Donations
Income Sources for the Trust
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Trust generated an income of ₹363.34 crore. A substantial portion, ₹204 crore, was earned as bank interest, while ₹58 crore was collected through cash and cheque donations at the Trust’s office in Ayodhya. Additionally, donation boxes placed within the temple premises yielded ₹24.50 crore, which was deposited into the Trust’s bank account in Ayodhya.
Online and NRI Contributions
The Trust also received ₹71 crore through online donations from devotees across the country. Furthermore, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) contributed ₹10.43 crore, which was deposited in the Trust’s FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) bank account. These contributions underscore the global support and interest in the construction of the Ram Temple.
Special Donations and Material Contributions
Precious Metals for Temple Construction
The Trust received 900 kg of silver and 20 kg of gold, which were handed over to the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India (SPMC). These materials will undergo testing at SPMC’s Hyderabad facility in September 2024, though the exact date is yet to be finalized. These contributions reflect the devotion and generosity of the donors, who are eager to see the completion of the temple.
Ram Darbar of White Marble
A significant highlight of the construction is the planned installation of a Ram Darbar made of white marble on the first floor of the Ram Mandir. This exquisite piece is currently under construction in Jaipur, and it is expected to be a central feature of the temple’s design.
An Unusual Donation Incident
Cheque Sent to PM’s Relief Fund by Mistake
In a rather unusual incident, a devotee sent a cheque for ₹2100 crore to the Trust by post. The cheque, however, was made out to the PM Relief Fund, and not to the Trust. The cheque included the sender’s name, address, and mobile number, and was subsequently forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for proper processing. This incident highlights the strong desire among devotees to contribute to the temple’s construction, albeit with occasional errors.
The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust’s disclosure of the financial details for FY 2023-24 provides a clear picture of the ongoing efforts and financial commitments towards the construction of the Ram Temple. With an estimated expenditure of ₹1850 crore to date, the Trust continues to move forward with its plans, supported by donations from across the country and around the world. The upcoming year promises further progress as the Trust prepares for significant expenditures and the continued development of this iconic religious site.
(India CSR)