The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a major enhancement to the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme, which provides financial support for the maintenance of temples and honorarium for priests. Until now, eligible temples were receiving ₹5,000 per month under this scheme. The government has now increased the monthly assistance to ₹10,000.
Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy conducted a review meeting with officials to discuss ongoing temple development activities. As part of efforts to address devotees' grievances efficiently, the minister also launched a Grievance Portal for temple-related issues.
141 additional temples have been newly included under the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme.
Monthly support has been doubled from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
In Nellore district alone, ₹118.45 crore has been released for 58 temples under the scheme.
Officials have been instructed to complete temple reconstruction and renovation works within the next two years.
The government aims to strengthen temple infrastructure, support priests, and improve services for devotees through these enhanced measures.