Speaking at an event in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday, Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said that the ongoing construction of the temple in Ayodhya will make a contribution of about Rs 400 crore for GST. He said that the final tax figure would only be confirmed after the completion of the temple's construction.
Rai highlighted the scale of the project, noting that the 70-acre temple complex will house 18 temples, including shrines dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, Shabri, and Tulsidas. He underscored the transparency in the temple's financial dealings, stating, "We are committed to paying 100% tax, without any reductions."
The construction of the temple for Lord Ram is being done through donations received from across the country, and the temple has the capacity to handle nearly two lakh devotees at one time. Rai, who also serves as the International Vice President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), spoke at length about the Ram Janmabhoomi movement as having been an important part of Indian history, like the long journey to India's freedom.
During his address, Rai reflected on the sacrifices made for the temple's construction, calling the movement "an agitation for public welfare" and noting the parallels to India's fight for freedom. He lauded the unwavering dedication of those who supported the movement over the years.
Rai also discussed the progress in relation to the temple, including his trips to meet the people of Bakawa village in the state of Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district to select a 'Shivling' for the temple dedicated to Shiva to be constructed within the complex. Known for its craftsmanship in Shivling production, Bakawa's contribution was recommended by a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, further highlighting the village's cultural importance.
As construction continues, the Ram Temple is expected to become a major religious and cultural destination, drawing millions of devotees from India and around the world. Its completion is anticipated to boost local economies and provide significant GST revenue, benefiting the nation as a whole.