The faith and devotion of the devotees towards the Ram temple in Ayodhya is unwavering, but after the case of theft of offerings came to light, they are taking precautions. Nowadays, scenes of passionate devotees desperate to donate all their wealth are rarely seen. As a result, jewelry is rarely seen in donation boxes anymore. A temple employee gave important information on the condition of anonymity, and a staff member involved in counting the offerings also confirmed these claims.
Sources say that awareness among people has increased after the theft case came to light. It is not that people have stopped donating or they no longer want to make donations. Rather, the way of donating has changed. The trend of offering gold and silver has reduced considerably. Earlier, people often used to put gold and silver coins and jewelery in donation boxes. When the boxes were emptied during the sorting process in the counting room, such jewelery and precious coins were often found and kept in a separate box.
Situation changed after donation theft was discovered
According to sources, the accused used to steal jewelery at this stage. It is said that the situation has changed after the alleged donation theft came to light. The availability of gold and silver coins or other jewelery has reduced. Although the staff inside may not be aware of donations made directly at the counter, hardly anyone is putting valuables in the donation boxes anymore.
13 people are handling the counting work
No new employees have been recruited since 23 employees left the Ram Mandir together. The remaining 13 employees are handling the workload in the 10 am to 7 pm shift. Both working hours and pressure have increased, yet there has been no discussion about salary increases. An employee said that 23 employees had left the job together in frustration. The conditions are like exploitation of workers under the guise of third-party hiring, no leave is given and salary is paid only for the days actually worked.
Full-time work at wage-level wages
The employee said that earlier, the work was divided into two shifts of six hours each, but now everyone has been asked to come in a single shift. Working hours have also been increased. Many employees work part-time while also pursuing their studies or preparing for exams. As a result, it was difficult for them to work full-time at a wage-level salary. And there is a possibility of employees leaving the job. There has always been a trend of staff turnover here. People working in the temple premises expect a better working environment, but they come to know the reality only after starting work.
Questions from family and relatives after theft of offerings
An employee involved in the counting said that the conditions at the work place seem as if ‘President’s rule’ is imposed, yet the problems do not end even after returning home. Ever since the case of theft of offerings has come to light, family members and relatives have been asking many types of questions. Even the neighbors look at them with suspicion. Even the old friends of the accused shy away from him now.
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