“False, misleading”: Government says no plan to monetise gold held by temple trusts or religious bodies

TIP News Staff
May 19, 2026

The Ministry of Finance has denied claims that the Central Government is planning to monetise temple gold holdings or issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for their gold reserves.

In a clarification issued on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, the ministry said certain media reports and social media posts were circulating claims that a proposal had been approved for monetisation of temple gold holdings.

The ministry said speculation and rumours suggesting that the government is planning to introduce a monetisation scheme for gold held by temple trusts, or any religious institution across the country, are completely false, misleading and without any basis.

“Certain media reports and social media posts are circulating with claims that the Government of India is planning to issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for temple gold reserves or that a proposal has been approved for monetisation of temple gold holdings,” the ministry said.

“Speculation and rumours suggesting that the Government is planning to introduce monetisation scheme for Gold held by temple trusts, or any religious institution, across the country are completely false, misleading and without any basis,” it added.

It also clarified that claims suggesting that gold plates on temple towers, doors or other temple structures would be considered as “Strategic Gold Reserves of India” are false, misleading and entirely baseless.

The government requested citizens not to believe or circulate such rumours, saying the spread of unverified information creates unnecessary confusion and may mislead the public.

The ministry urged citizens to rely only on official communications issued through authorised channels.

It said any information regarding policy decisions or government schemes would be shared through official press releases, government websites and verified public communication platforms.