Telangana Stapathis allege bias in temple works, seek preference for local experts

Traditional temple architects from Telangana have alleged discrimination in temple construction and renovation works, claiming experts from other States are being preferred. They urged the government to recruit local professionals, fill vacancies in the Endowments Department and create a panel of qualified Telangana Stapathis.

Hyderabad: Traditional temple architects (Stapathis) from Telangana have alleged discrimination in the execution of temple repair, renovation and construction works in the State. Despite possessing experience and recognised qualifications, they said experts from other States, particularly Andhra Pradesh, were being given preference for temple-related works.

They also pointed out that many of those entrusted with such works were retired personnel. Although the Congress government had stated that retired employees would not be engaged in government departments, several retired officials, including some serving as Advisors in the Chief Minister’s Office, continue to hold positions.

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Expressing concern over the issue, a group of Stapathis met Endowments Commissioner Hanumantha Rao on Wednesday and submitted a representation seeking greater opportunities for Telangana professionals in temple construction and renovation projects.

They said the Endowments Department’s Stapathi wing had several vacancies and urged the government to strengthen it by recruiting experienced and eligible personnel. Most of the Telangana Stapathis, they said, were former students of the SV Institute of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture, Tirupati.

Following the formation of Telangana, the previous BRS government renovated the Yadagirigutta temple. It also and established the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Institute of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture to meet the growing demand for trained professionals in temple works in addition to the existing ones.

The institute has trained candidates in various traditional crafts, equipping them with practical knowledge in temple planning, design, conservation and execution. However, the Stapathis said qualified local professionals continued to be overlooked while experts from other States were being engaged. They said this defeated the purpose of establishing the institute and failed to utilise the expertise of trained professionals from Telangana.

They also questioned how local traditional artisans, sculptors and craftsmen would gain experience if they were not given opportunities to work under experienced Telangana Stapathis.

With the government undertaking major renovation and reconstruction works at the Basara and Bhadrachalam temples, they urged that preference be given to Telangana Stapathis. They also demanded that the government prepare a panel of experienced Telangana Stapathis based on qualifications, experience and technical expertise.