Date:18/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/18/stories/2006051819670600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Parties hail decision on archakas' appointment

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Various political parties have welcomed the Tamil Nadu Government's decision to appoint qualified persons from any caste as temple priests.

Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy said the VHP, at its conference of village temple priests held in Erode, had adopted a resolution demanding that Hindus of all castes be made eligible to be archakas (priests). Dr. Swamy said the archakas should be trained.

BJP all-India vice-president L.Ganesan said the BJP accepted in principle the Government's decision. However, the Government should exercise caution in implementation. Spiritual leaders, mutt heads and representatives of RSS should be consulted and proper training should be given to the priests.

D. Pandian, secretary of the State Unit of the Communist Party of India and Kolathur Mani, president, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam also welcomed the decision.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad youth wing State president R.R.Gopalji has appealed to the Chief Minister to take steps to start a college for proper training of Hindu youth who wanted to become priests. He also requested him to activate the welfare board for village temple priests.