e-Hundi: Muzrai Dept begins experiment on QR Code-based digital temple donations

With everything going the digital way, temples in Karnataka may soon be accepting donations through e-Hundi’s. The Muzrai department has started experimenting with the idea of Scan and Pay using UPI mode at some temples under its administration.

The Muzrai department has partnered with SBI to map the bank accounts of the temples with QR codes. Devotees just have to scan the code and pay the offerings, using UPI payment apps.

The Kollur Mookambika temple of Udupi and Bettada Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Tumakuru have started e-Hundi on an experimental basis, media reports said.

According to Muzrai Minister Shashikala Jolle, the department expects to raise the transparency of donations received and prevent leakage of funds by this initiative.

Moreover, e-Hundi’s being contactless, convenient, and safer is another reason for their adoption. the contactless digital cash payments offer an alternative to the devotees, many of whom are hesitant to touch offertory boxes installed at temples. The chances of theft from offertory boxes too.

However, some say there are certain challenges to be overcome. For one, many temples do not allow mobile phones on the temple premises. Being places of devotion and worship, devotees are asked to keep their phones switched off. The unavailability of mobile phone networks in remote, hilly areas where many of the holy places are situated may also be a hindrance.