Chennai

Devotees obtain tokens of Rs 5 to Rs 25 for tonsuring head and recently, the barbers in temples were paid Rs 30 per person. Considering their plight, Rs 5,000 per month would be paid to the 1,749 workers as stipend,” the Minster informed the Assembly.

Recently, the Minister announced that no charges would be collected for tonsuring heads in temples for devotees. Following this, there were reports that the livelihood of persons involved in tonsuring would be affected. The issue was raised as a special calling attention motion by DMK MLAs, including Anaicut MLA AP Nandakumar.

The Minister replied that devotees are happy at the announcement of free tonsuring as in some temples Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 was collected for tonsuring their heads and the workers tonsuring heads would get Rs 5 or 10 per tonsuring from devotees as tips. In the wake of that, so they could get the additional amount, the issue was discussed with Chief Minister MK Stalin and after obtaining approval from the CM it was decided to pay stipend to them.

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