Key Provisions of the Proposed Trust
Under this legislation, the newly proposed trust would gain authority over all offerings, donations, and both movable and immovable temple properties—including idols, jewellery, bank drafts, cheques, and items received through hundi, daan, chadhawa, nazar, and other contributions. While the bill ensures continuation of customs and rituals established since the era of Saint Swami Haridas, it also entrusts the new body with responsibilities related to temple management, including appointment of priests, fixing darshan timings, determining salaries and allowances, ensuring visitor safety, and overseeing administrative functions.
As part of its modernization drive, the trust will also be tasked with facilitating world-class amenities such as dedicated prasad distribution points, designated darshan pathways for the elderly and differently-abled, drinking water facilities, seating arrangements, queue-management kiosks, cow shelters, kitchens, canteens, exhibition spaces, waiting areas, and lodging facilities—enhancements intended to elevate the pilgrim experience.
Composition and Governance of the Trust
Ex-officio members include the Mathura district magistrate, senior superintendent of police, municipal commissioner, CEO of the UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, CEO of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust, and an additional government nominee. If any of them is non-Hindu or unable to serve, a junior officer will be appointed in their stead.
Trustees will serve three-year terms, and meetings will be held quarterly—subject to a 15-day notice. Crucially, the trust may independently execute property transactions up to ₹20 lakh; anything above this threshold shall require state government approval.
Next Steps and Legal Context
With these legislative and institutional innovations, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to formalize temple administration while preserving centuries-old traditions—a balancing act at the intersection of heritage and modern governance.












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