look news india
The faith and devotion of crores of devotees across the country and the world towards the grand Ram temple located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh is unwavering. But after the recent sensational case of theft of offerings in the temple premises, a big change is being seen in the attitude of the devotees. The awareness and caution of the devotees visiting the temple has increased significantly. As a result, hardly any gold and silver jewelery and precious coins are visible in the donation boxes of the temple.
A temple employee involved in the process of counting the offerings, on the condition of anonymity, has made many shocking revelations about this entire incident and the changing conditions of the staff.
Devotees become aware about the way to donate in return
According to information received from sources, after the incident of donation theft came to light, it is not that the devotees have stopped donating due to their faith, but their way of donating has completely changed.
-
Huge reduction in gold and silver offerings: Earlier, devotees used to put gold necklaces, rings and precious silver coins in the donation boxes with great emotion and devotion. When the boxes were emptied during the sorting process, they were kept safe in a separate box.
-
Main means of theft: Sources claim that it was during this phase of counting and sorting that the accused employees cleverly made away with the jewellery. But now after the theft became public, devotees have stopped putting valuables in the donation boxes. However, the figures for donations made directly through receipts at official counters may be different.
After resignation of 23 employees, workload increased on 13 employees
Not only has the trend of donations changed in the Ram temple, but the internal situation of the employees working there also remains quite tense.
-
Shortage of staff: No new recruitment has been done till now after 23 employees left the job together from the temple.
-
Increased working hours: Whereas earlier the work was divided into two separate shifts of 6 hours each, now only the remaining 13 employees are being called in a single long shift from 10 am to 7 pm.
-
No increase in salary: Despite the work pressure and hours doubling, there has been no discussion in the management regarding increasing the salary of the employees.
Allegations of ‘third-party hiring’ and exploitation of workers
According to a former employee who left the job, the situation here is like exploitation of workers through third-party vendors. Employees do not get any weekly or official leave and salary is also deducted only on those days when they have actually recorded biometric attendance.
There are many young students working here who are also preparing for their competitive exams along with part-time work. Due to excessive pressure of full-time work at the daily wage level, it is becoming difficult for the youth to survive here, due to which the staff turnover in the temple is always high.
Restrictions like ‘President’s rule’ and pricking questions of the society
A current employee involved in the offering counting team compared the workplace environment to ‘President’s rule’ and said that despite strict restrictions and security checks there is no mental peace.
After the theft case came to light, when these employees return to their homes, family members, relatives and even neighbors look at them with suspicion and ask all kinds of piercing questions. Even the old colleagues of the accused have now completely distanced themselves from these employees due to fear of defamation, due to which they are going through immense social and mental stress.
