The government on Tuesday issued a clarification rejecting allegations that the Center is planning to monetize the temple’s gold holdings under any proposed gold bond or monetization scheme.
The Finance Ministry’s clarification came after several media reports and social media posts suggested that gold reserves held by trusts of temples and religious institutions across the country could be included in a government-backed scheme. According to the Ministry, these allegations are incorrect and baseless.
The Finance Ministry said in an official statement that no proposal to issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for gold held by religious bodies has been approved.
The ministry also addressed another claim circulating online related to gold used in temple structures. She denied reports that gold plaques placed on temple towers, doors or other parts of temples would be classified as part of the country’s strategic gold reserves.
In a post on X, the Finance Ministry said, “Speculations and rumors that the government is planning to introduce monetization of gold held by temple trusts, or any religious institution, across the country are completely false, misleading and have no basis.”
It further said: “The allegations that gold plates on temple towers, doors or other temple structures will be considered as ‘India’s strategic gold reserves’ are false, misleading and completely baseless.”
The government urges the public not to share unverified claims
The government urged people not to circulate unverified information related to policy matters, saying such rumors could create unnecessary confusion among the public.
It also stated that any official decision regarding government plans or policy changes will only be communicated through approved channels, including official press releases and government websites.
