Puttur, 23 September 2026: Karnataka Religious Endowment Department has made technical scrutiny mandatory for estimates prepared for development, renovation, reconstruction and new construction works in temples under its jurisdiction.
Department has noticed that estimates are being prepared and submitted by private consultants for temple works. According to the department, some of these estimates were prepared at higher rates without detailed measurement sheets and proper rate analysis based on the current schedule of rates of the Public Works Department (PWD).
This has resulted in delays in approving works and may also lead to higher expenditure during implementation. Such estimates can also face objections during audit. The Commissioner of the Religious Endowment Department has therefore directed that estimates must undergo technical scrutiny by the Public Works Department or another government technical department before they are submitted for approval.
Technical scrutiny requirements
| Type of temple work | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Development works | Technical scrutiny by PWD or another government technical department is mandatory |
| Renovation works | Technical scrutiny and verification of estimates required |
| New construction | Estimate must undergo technical scrutiny |
| Reconstruction works | Technical scrutiny required before submission |
| Traditional/stone temples | Consent of the Archaeology Department is required |
| Estimates prepared without technical scrutiny | Will not be considered for approval |
Order refers to Rule 6 of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Rules, 2002. It states that temple works should be implemented through the Public Works Department or a government agency.
Department said the move is aimed at ensuring uniformity, transparency and feasibility in the preparation of estimates for temple works. For traditional and stone-built temples, estimates must be submitted after obtaining the consent of the Archaeology Department.
Commissioner has directed that estimates submitted without technical scrutiny by the PWD or another government technical department should not be considered for approval. Order is applicable to development, renovation, new construction and reconstruction works of temples coming under the Religious Endowment Department.
Source: Commissioner, Religious Endowment Department, Government of Karnataka.
Keywords: Karnataka temple works, temple renovation rules, Religious Endowment Department, temple development, technical scrutiny, Karnataka PWD, Citizen News Puttur, Puttur News Today