Why after 10 years, the State withdrew endowment grant to schools run by RSS man?

The State Muzrai Department has directed to withdraw the endowment grant to two schools - run by RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat - by the Kollur Mookambika Temple Trust.

The two schools - Sri Rama Vidya Kendra in Kalladka and Sridevi Vidya Kendra in Punacha - in Bantwal taluk - were adopted by the temple trust when the BJP government was in power in the state in June 2007. From 2007-08 to 2016-17, the Srirama Vidya Kendra has received Rs 2.32 crore aid and Rs 50.72 lakh to Sridevi Vidya Kendra. But after ten years, the state has now withdrawn the order reportedly stating that the schools cannot receive grants from the temple, registered under the Muzrai Department, reports Suvarna News.

It may be recalled here that Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat had earned the ire of the state government with his "inflammatory comments" that had reportedly escalated the communal clash in Bantwal taluk. But the BJP leaders in the state had come to the rescue of RSS strongman Bhat. While State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa had stated that the state would burn if Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat is arrested, MP Shobha Karandlaje had dared the chief minister Siddaramaiah to arrest Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat stating "Let CM arrest Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, we will see what happens."

But the state's move - after ten years - has raised speculation. More so, as it has come in the wake of the Income Tax raid on Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. However, the state government pointed out that there is no provision in Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act to adopt private educational institutions by temples and maintain them.  "This would result in unnecessary burden on the temple," it reasoned.  

• kalladka prabhakar bhat
• endowment grant to schools
• karnataka