Grant for Oru Kala Pooja

Grant for Oru Kala Pooja continues to support temples in the Union Territory of Puducherry that have limited financial resources. As of August 2026, the scheme provides updated annual funding to help temple authorities cover essential operational costs, including the Oru Kala Pooja ritual, electricity and water charges, and desilting of temple tanks, ponds, and wells.

Hindu Religious Institutions and Wakf Department of Puducherry revised the benefit amounts in July 2025. Under the updated notification, temples now receive ₹30,000 per annum for the performance of the primary Oru Kala Pooja ritual. The scheme also provides ₹1,000 per annum for electricity costs, ₹500 per annum for water expenses, and ₹5,000 once in ten years for desilting temple tanks, ponds, or wells, subject to fund availability and submission of paid bills.

To receive this support, temple authorities must submit an application following the official format along with the required documents. The department verifies eligibility within 15 days before sending the application to the Finance Department for concurrence. Final approval involves the Commissioner and the Secretary of the department, with funds generally paid within three months.

The scheme is administered by the Hindu Religious Institutions and Wakf Department, Puducherry. All financial assistance is subject to audit by the Directorate of Accounts & Treasuries, Puducherry. Any portion of the grant that remains unspent must be surrendered to the Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions, Puducherry.

Grant for Oru Kala Pooja

Benefits

This scheme offers financial aid to support the daily operations of eligible temples. Benefits include:

Payment Guidelines
The government typically sanctions the financial assistance within three months of approval, subject to fund availability. For utility costs, you must provide proof of payment via official bills.

Conditions for Support
You should use the grant strictly for its intended purpose. You must also maintain proper accounts, as these may be audited by the Directorate of Accounts & Treasuries, Puducherry. If any portion of the grant remains unspent, you must surrender it to the Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions, Puducherry.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, your institution must meet the following criteria:

1. You must act as the authorized representative of the temple.
2. The temple must be located within the Union Territory of Puducherry.
3. The temple should be identified as having limited financial resources.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the official portal to print the prescribed application form from the Citizen Charter section. You may also collect a physical copy from the relevant local authority in Puducherry.

STEP 2 - Fill in all required fields accurately on the application form. Make sure every detail matches the temple records and supporting documents.

STEP 3 - Prepare all necessary supporting documents as listed in the scheme guidelines. Attach documentary proof of land, photographs, bank passbook, and Form II certificate.

STEP 4 - Submit your signed application and attachments to the concerned temple authority. The department will verify your eligibility within 15 days before sending it to the Finance Department for concurrence.

STEP 5 - After Finance Department concurrence, the application goes to the Commissioner and Secretary for final approval. Funds are generally paid within three months of approval.

Documents

Application Stage

• Documentary proof of the land on which the temple is situated.
• Photographs illustrating the current status of the temple.
• A copy of the official bank account passbook held in the name of the temple.
• Form II certificate issued by a nominee of the Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions, detailing the total annual income of the temple from all sources.

Post-Sanction Stage

• Original bills for electricity and water charges to claim usage reimbursement.
• Original vouchers verifying the purchase of materials for rituals.
• A formal Use Certificate once the funds are spent.

References

Citizen Charter & Application Form
Decision Making Process
Official Government Order

FAQ's

Is it mandatory to disclose the total annual income of the temple?

Yes, you must submit a Form II certificate obtained from an officer nominated by the Commissioner, which verifies the temple's total income from donations, properties, and other sources.

What proof is required for the land ownership status?

You must submit a copy of the legal document that confirms details regarding the land where the temple is located.

How much money will the temple receive for the daily ritual?

Qualifying temples receive ₹30,000 per annum specifically for the Oru Kala Pooja, as updated in the July 2025 notification.

How long does the verification process take?

The standard processing time for your application is 15 days after submission.

How can temple authorities claim the grant for electricity and water bills?

You should submit the original utility bills paid by the temple authority to be eligible for the reimbursement of ₹1,000 for electricity and ₹500 for water.

What if the temple does not spend the entire grant amount?

Any remaining funds that you do not use for the sanctioned purpose must be returned to the Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions, Puducherry.

Are photographs of the temple necessary?

Yes, your application must include photographs that show the current physical condition of the religious structure.

Is there any assistance for desilting temple tanks or ponds?

Yes, the scheme now provides ₹5,000 once in ten years for desilting of temple tanks, ponds, or wells under the updated notification.