Chennai: Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister Ramesh on Tuesday said the mobile phone ban currently in place at select temples will be extended to medium and small temples in the future.
Speaking about arrangements in 52 temples, the minister said devotees are being offered a facility to deposit mobile phones safely by paying a minimum fee of Rs 5. He said the amount has been fixed keeping future requirements in mind.
Ramesh clarified that the Rs 5 charge is not intended to generate revenue for temples. Instead, it is meant to meet basic expenses such as staff deployment and technology-related arrangements needed to manage safe custody of phones.
He also noted that implementing such facilities in smaller temples could be difficult if the costs have to be met only from their limited income. The minister suggested that residents living near temples may leave phones at home, while visitors from other places can keep them in their vehicles or accommodation before entering temples.
