Bhubaneswer: Orissa government for the first time would extend financial assistance to churches and other religious institutions damaged during violence in Kandhamal, official sources said on Sunday.

 However, according to the order issued by the revenue department places of worship and religious institutions built on disputed land would not be eligible for getting the assistance which will vary from Rs 10,000 to Rs two lakh, they said.

Though there is no provision for financial assistance to places of worship in the relief code, the government decided to provide help as the Supreme Court on October 22 advised it to adopt a soft approach in assisting rebuilding of damaged religious places.

 As per the government's order, Rs two lakh each would be provided for churches and temples destroyed during riots in Kandhamal, while partially damaged places of worship would be given Rs one lakh each.

 Similarly, Rs 50,000 each would be given for completely destroyed prayer halls, while those with moderate damage would be given Rs 20,000 each and partially damaged prayer halls would get Rs 10,000 each, sources said.

 The district administration of Kandhamal has been asked to complete the process of assessment of damage to places of worship and religions institutions and submit a final report to the government by November 25, they said.

Religious places and institutions which will get the financial help include churches, prayer houses, temples, mosques, gurudwaras, boudh vihars, jain temples and prayer halls of tribals. These would also include training institutions for nuns and pastors, they said.

  (Sourse:Press Trust of India / NDTV Nov 16, 2008)