Simhachalam Temple Trust Board’s Chairman Sanchaita Gajapati Raju’s decisions are drawing flak from devotees and people alike. The bone of contention is that people see her departing from traditions and conventions observed by her predecessors to uphold the values and integrity they are known for and not be criticized by devotees.
Sanchaita’s decision to appoint an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) has come under severe criticism.
Earlier, Vizianagaram Royal Family members Ananda Gajapati Raju and Ashoka Gajapati had been the chairpersons of the Temple Trust Board. However, none of them had ever engaged any OSD to look after their responsibilities towards the temple on their behalf. Temple employees have always witnessed the royal family members personally look after the affairs of the temple because it was considered their bounden religious responsibility.
The talk in the temple circles is that a person tipped to become the new OSD has been camping at the Temple Guest House for the last three months. And, unofficially, he is already accessing the files and other official documents related to the temples.
After this news was leaked, the trust board Chairman hurriedly convened a trust board meeting and directed officials to create the OSD post. The newly created post will have Rs 50,000 monthly salary, besides providing transport, food and lodging facilities.
The decision has come at a time when the revenues of the temple have dipped to an all-time low due to the closure of temple on account of COVID. Despite being in 6A category, the temple employees are getting only 50 per cent of their salaries as the temple revenues have dried up. The temple is also struggling to pool funds to disburse even 50 per cent of salaries to its employees. Sanchaita is coming under fire for creating a new OSD position amidst this financial crisis. Also, clearance has been accorded to create the new post without defining the job chart, roles and responsibilities of the new employment, the sources added.
Talk amongst the temple staff is that the new chairman is evincing more interest to gain greater authority over all the temple affairs. She then wants to delegate the same to those appointed or to those who toe her line. However, clarity would emerge only when the job chart of the new OSD position comes into the light, the sources added.
