The Karnataka government has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to secure hundi collections across more than 33,000 temples. The guideline mandates digital payments, QR codes and CCTV monitoring to ensure transparency and curb theft.

मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)

  • Karnataka issues SOP for temple hundi management
  • Digital payments, QR codes and CCTV surveillance made mandatory
  • Counting frequency set based on donation size

In a decisive move to standardise hundi (donation box) handling, Karnataka's Revenue Department has rolled out a comprehensive SOP covering over 33,000 temples under the Muzrai Department. The initiative follows nationwide scrutiny after alleged embezzlement of donations at the Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, prompting a need for tighter oversight and restored public trust.

Digital Payment Integration

The new SOP bars public participation in the counting process, mandating the involvement of government, bank and Home Guard staff instead. By leveraging real‑time digital payment platforms such as UPI, donations are instantly routed to bank accounts, eliminating cash‑handling risks and curbing theft of donation bags during peak footfall. Each temple will receive a QR code that devotees can scan to contribute instantly, streamlining the giving experience.

Security and Surveillance Measures

To reinforce security, CCTV cameras will be installed to capture the hundi from all four sides. The footage will be streamed to a central server housed at the Muzrai Department’s headquarters and monitored by officials in the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Dedicated dashboards will also be set up at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the Superintendent of Police’s office, and the jurisdictional police station for live viewing.

Revised Hundi Counting Schedule

The SOP requires temple authorities to pre‑announce counting dates. Temples receiving large donations must open the hundi weekly, while those with moderate donations will do so bi‑weekly. Counting must be witnessed by the Tahsildar, and all officials involved must declare their cash‑in‑hand and undergo facial‑recognition verification. Gold and silver items are to be assessed and deposited in the treasury on the same day, and the entire process—from opening the box to bank transfer—will be video‑recorded.

Addressing Past Misuse

Recent investigations have uncovered varied misuse of hundi collections, including theft of CCTV units, deliberate damage to QR codes, and even the use of camphor smoke to obscure camera lenses. By imposing stricter safeguards and digital safeguards, the SOP aims to eliminate these loopholes, restore donor confidence, and set a benchmark for other states grappling with similar challenges.