‘False, misleading and without any basis’: Govt dismisses rumours over temple gold monetisation

The Centre on Tuesday firmly denied reports and viral social media claims suggesting that the government was planning to monetise gold held by temples and religious institutions across the country.

In an official clarification, the Ministry of Finance said no proposal had been approved to issue gold bonds in exchange for gold reserves held by temple trusts. The government also rejected claims that gold used on temple structures could be categorised as part of India’s “strategic gold reserves”.

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The clarification comes after a wave of online posts and media reports claimed that the Centre was preparing a nationwide scheme linked to temple gold holdings. The rumours triggered debate on social media, with several posts alleging that gold reserves owned by religious institutions could be brought under a proposed government-backed monetisation programme.

Rejecting the speculation, the Finance Ministry said the claims were “completely false, misleading and without any basis”.

In a post on X, 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.”

Finance Ministry rejects ‘strategic gold reserve’ claims

The government also addressed another set of claims circulating online regarding gold plating used in temples.

According to the ministry, reports suggesting that gold plates installed on temple towers, doors or other religious structures would be treated as “Strategic Gold Reserves of India” were entirely incorrect.

“It is clarified that claims suggesting that gold plates on temple towers, doors, or other temple structures will be considered as ‘Strategic Gold Reserves of India’ are false, misleading, and entirely baseless,” the ministry said.

Govt urges people not to circulate unverified information

The Finance Ministry urged citizens to avoid sharing unverified information related to government policies and schemes, warning that such rumours could create unnecessary confusion among the public.

It added that any policy decision or new government scheme would only be announced through official communication channels, including press releases, government websites and verified public platforms.

The clarification follows another recent instance where the Centre pushed back against what it described as misleading narratives, after foreign media reports raised concerns over India’s textile recycling ecosystem.