Eighteen Archakas and temple workers received over Rs 32 lakh in gratuity and medical benefits. This was possible because of the Archaka and Employees Welfare Fund set up by the Endowments Department. Some workers received between Rs 1 lakh and over Rs 6.5 lakh.
The priests expressed gratitude to Endowments Minister Konda Surekha for meeting the needs of long-serving temple staff. A special fund supports these employees’ welfare.
Minister Konda Surekha, along with Endowment Director Venkata Rao and other officials, distributed cheques from the welfare fund. They provided gratuity and medical aid to 18 employees via the Archaka Welfare Fund Trust. The minister presented a cheque of Rs 32 lakh as a farewell gesture and honored the retirees.
Surekha emphasized the government’s dedication to the well-being of Archakas and temple staff. She mentioned that around 13,700 employees, from Archakas to the level of Assistant Commissioner, will benefit from the trust. The fund covers gratuity after retirement or death, specifically for ‘Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam’ priests.
The fund also covers ex-gratia payments for deceased employees and funeral costs. It offers medical reimbursement, marriage and upanayana schemes, house construction, and educational assistance. Disabled employees receive financial help as well.
An Archaka thanked Konda Surekha for resolving long-standing issues. The Welfare Board recently increased the posthumous or retirement gratuity for regular priests and employees from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh on May 28.
