Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary, Champat Rai, has said that the ongoing construction work related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to generate an estimated Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue of nearly Rs 400 crore. Speaking at an event in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday, Rai emphasised that the final tax figure would only be confirmed after the completion of the temple’s construction.
“I estimate that the government will collect around Rs 400 crore as GST from the Ram Temple construction. The complex, spanning 70 acres, will include 18 temples, including those dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, Shabri, and Tulsidas. We are committed to paying 100% tax, without any reductions,” Rai stated, underscoring the transparency and full compliance with tax obligations.
Rai, who also serves as the international vice president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), shared insights into the grand scale of the Ram Temple complex. He noted that the temple is being built with contributions from society and that logistical arrangements are in place to comfortably accommodate up to two lakh devotees at a time.
Reflecting on the significance of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Rai compared it to the centuries-long struggle for India’s independence. “Many people, including their families and relatives, made sacrifices for the movement to build the temple at Ram Janmabhoomi. This movement is no less than the 1,000-year-old fight for freedom. It was an agitation for public welfare,” he said, highlighting the dedication and perseverance involved in the effort.
In a significant step for the temple complex, Rai visited Bakawa village in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district on Sunday to finalize the selection of a ‘Shivling’ for the Shiva temple that will be part of the Ayodhya complex. Known for its craftsmanship in producing Shivlings, Bakawa is located on the banks of the Narmada River and has supplied Shivlings for temples worldwide. Rai’s visit came at the recommendation of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, further cementing the importance of Bakawa’s contribution to the project.
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which holds immense religious and cultural significance, is being constructed as a symbol of devotion, unity, and societal cooperation. The temple is expected to become a major religious destination, drawing millions of devotees from across India and around the world.