All the A-grade temples that are under the Muzrai department in Karnataka have been instructed to open up their kitchens to serve the poor, homeless and needy at this hour of crisis.

Of the 34,000 temples in Karnataka that are under state control, 175 are A grade, which means they earn a revenue of more than Rs 25 lakh. These temples will now be asked to utilise the provisions available with them in coordination with the district authorities and make food available for the homeless and the needy in the times of a lockdown.

Minister for Muzrai Kota Srinivas Poojary instructed the Muzrai department and the officials in the respective districts to facilitate the same. He instructed that the districts may get the temples to prepare the required food and supply it in packets or do as they deem fit, ensuing that those who have no access to food do not go hungry.

Earlier this week a lot of people took to social media asking for temples that are run by the state to pitch in and aid the Covid relief work. The state has been in a lockdown since Monday (23 march) this week, even before the announcement of a national lockdown.

A lot of labourers have been migrating to their villages through whatever means available despite the movement of vehicles being restricted. The Indira canteens which initially served free food to the labourers and poor people were shut down to avoid crowding and to ensure social distancing.