Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has issued a clarification dismissing reports and social media claims suggesting that the Centre is planning to monetise gold held by temples and religious institutions across the country.
According to the clarification, certain media reports and online posts falsely claimed that the government was preparing to issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for temple gold reserves or had approved a proposal related to monetisation of temple gold holdings.
Officials stated that such claims are completely false, misleading and without any factual basis.
The government also rejected speculation that a nationwide monetisation scheme for gold owned by temple trusts or religious institutions was under consideration. Authorities clarified that no such proposal has been approved or initiated.
In addition, officials dismissed claims suggesting that gold plating on temple towers, doors or other temple structures would be treated as “Strategic Gold Reserves of India.” The government described these reports as entirely baseless and misleading.
The clarification comes amid widespread circulation of rumours on social media platforms, prompting authorities to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information related to religious institutions and government policy matters.
-OdishaAge
