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Parliamentary Matters

Maintaining effective temple management

Sectors

Community

25 March 2020

Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth at the second reading of the Hindu Endowments (Amendment) Bill

Mr Speaker,

  1. I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time".

I.Introduction

  1. The Hindu Endowments Act was enacted on 1 May 1969 and provides for the Hindu Endowments Board to administer Hindu religious and charitable endowments. At present, the Board administers four temples, namely Sri Mariamman Temple at South Bridge Road, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road, Sri Sivan Temple at Geylang East, and Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple at Toa Payoh.

  2. This Bill contains three amendments to Section 20 of the Hindu Endowments Act, which relates to the appointment of the temple management committees of the 4 temples under the Hindu Endowments Board. Let me take Members through the amendments.

II. Amendments to the Hindu Endowments Act

  1. The first amendment in Section 20(2) of the Act will allow each temple management committee to comprise up to 12 members, an increase from the current 8 members. By ensuring a broader mix of expertise and experience, the temple management committees will be better positioned to meet the heavier demands of temple management.

  2. The second amendment is to Section 20(3), the quorum at all meetings of the temple management committees will be increased from 4 to 6 members, so that we keep the same proportion to meet quorum as we increase the committee’s membership size.

  3. The third and final amendment is to Section 20(4) of the Act, which will allow members of the temple management committee to serve a longer term of office of up to 3 years, instead of the current 2-years. This will provide members more time to contribute meaningfully and see through their plans to improve the temple and the well-being of its worshippers.

III. Conclusion

  1. In sum, these three amendments will ensure that the temple management committees will continue to be effective in discharging their responsibilities in today’s operating environment. Mr Speaker, this Bill amends the Hindu Endowments Act in the manner that I have just described.

  2. Sir, I beg to move.

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