Hyderabad: Forests, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha on Friday announced enhanced temple staff welfare benefits and handed over promotion orders to 26 Executive Officers elevated from Grade-II to Grade-I positions.
The programme took place at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat in the presence of Endowments Commissioner V. Hanumantha Rao, temple officials, archaka representatives and employees.
The Minister said the government was committed to ensuring that temple employees, priests and other staff received all benefits and rights due to them.
Temple staff welfare benefits receive major boost
Konda Surekha announced an increase in benefits provided through the Archaka and Other Employees Welfare Fund Trust.
The enhanced benefits cover retirement gratuity, upanayanam grants, house construction assistance and educational support schemes.
She said the revised benefits had come into effect from April 1, 2026.
According to the Minister, the government decided to increase assistance after reviewing the needs of priests and employees.
She added that employee welfare remained essential for improving temple administration and services for devotees.
Temple staff welfare benefits linked to reforms
The Minister said the government had completed the promotion process for Executive Officers according to established rules.
She personally handed over promotion orders to 26 officers from seven zones.
Furthermore, Konda Surekha announced that the department would soon undertake promotions from Assistant Commissioner to Deputy Commissioner level and additional Executive Officer promotions.
She also directed officials to recruit additional staff for temple administration based on requests from Executive Officers.
The Minister instructed Endowments Commissioner Hanumantha Rao to begin the necessary process.
Temple staff welfare benefits to go digital
Konda Surekha directed officials to launch a dedicated website and mobile application for welfare schemes.
She said the digital platform would help employees access benefits more efficiently.
In addition, she called for a green channel system to transfer welfare assistance directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The Minister also instructed officials to undertake large-scale plantation drives in temples during the monsoon season.
She said temple staff should participate actively in greening temple premises across the State.
Employees and priests welcomed the announcements and expressed satisfaction over the enhanced welfare measures and promotion orders.