Organization submits memorandum to DFO against ticket and parking charges
Key Points:
- VHP protests money collection from devotees during Sawan month
- District president compares fee system to medieval jazia tax
- DFO says state government mandates charges with facilities provided
JAMSHEDPUR – Vishwa Hindu Parishad has opposed ticket and vehicle parking fee collection from devotees at the ancient Shiva temple located in Dalma Hills during Sawan month, submitting a memorandum to the District Forest Officer.
The temple is situated in Dalma Hills adjacent to Jamshedpur. Money collection occurs in the name of entry tickets. Moreover, parking charges are also levied on vehicles.
VHP officials submitted a protest memorandum to the DFO. They have expressed strong opposition to this fee system. The organization considers money collection at religious places inappropriate.
District president Ajay Gupta led the protest initiative. He stated that collecting money at places of faith is wrong. Furthermore, he compared the fee system to jazia tax.
“This is similar to jazia tax which we oppose,” Gupta said. VHP will launch a movement against this rule. In addition, they aim to get this system reversed.
DFO Saba Alam responded to the controversy from official perspective. He explained that fees are collected following state government directions. However, this practice has been continuing for years.
The state government has provided fee concessions this time. These reduced charges will continue throughout Sawan month. Moreover, facilities are provided to devotees according to collected fees.
“Devotees receive facilities proportionate to the charges levied,” Alam stated. The fee collection follows official government guidelines. Besides, the system ensures proper amenities for pilgrims.
VHP plans to intensify its protest against the practice. The organization considers religious fee collection against Hindu traditions. Meanwhile, forest department maintains its stance on government directives.
