MEETING ON TEMPLE THEFTS TO THE CONVENED ON JANUARY 12: CM

MARGAO: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has called a meeting of government officers including Chief Secretary, police chiefs, district magistrate of South and North and others to discuss measures to prevent temple thefts and initiate an action plan.

The meeting which will be attended by the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik will be held on January 12 at Panim.  The survey to collect desired information about temples as well as study on the vulnerable temples initiated by the South Goa district administration on January 3 is nearing completion.

When contacted on Saturday, the South Goa district magistrate, Mr Gokuldas Naik said that almost all the mamlatdars of the respective areas who were entrusted with the task of collecting information regarding temples necessary for a special action plan have achieved their task.

He said that he will submit the report of South Goa temples on January 10. Police are also in the process of conducting the survey and will submit a report to the government. The government has directed the district magistrate to submit a survey report collected with desired information about such temples as well as study on vulnerable temples and to submit the same within ten days.

There are over 317 temples including over 50 big temples where mamlatdars are expected to visit and collect information after meeting temple committee members and others.

A committee member from Margao said that they have given all details about the temples. He hoped that the government will give a green signal to deputing home guards at temples. He said that some temple committees are likely to apply for licence to deploy security.