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Tamil Nadu may waive Rs5 fee for phone deposit counters, minister says
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 04 Sep 2026, 05:02 AM
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A Tamil Nadu minister said the state's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department is considering removing the Rs5 charge for using phone deposit counters, a service already in place across the state.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department in Tamil Nadu operates phone deposit counters that allow citizens to make payments for temple and charitable services via mobile phones. These counters have been functional for some time, providing a convenient digital alternative to traditional cash transactions.
According to a minister speaking to The Times of India, the department is now reviewing the modest Rs5 service fee imposed on each transaction. The review aims to determine whether the fee can be waived entirely, thereby encouraging wider adoption of the digital payment method.
If the fee is removed, the move could boost electronic payments in religious and charitable contexts, aligning with broader state initiatives to promote cashless transactions. The minister did not specify a timeline for the decision, noting that the department will assess the financial impact before finalising any changes.
Stakeholders, including temple administrators and regular users, have welcomed the possibility of a fee waiver, citing the potential for increased accessibility, especially for low‑income contributors.
The HR&CE department has not yet released an official statement, and further updates are expected as the review progresses.
According to a minister speaking to The Times of India, the department is now reviewing the modest Rs5 service fee imposed on each transaction. The review aims to determine whether the fee can be waived entirely, thereby encouraging wider adoption of the digital payment method.
If the fee is removed, the move could boost electronic payments in religious and charitable contexts, aligning with broader state initiatives to promote cashless transactions. The minister did not specify a timeline for the decision, noting that the department will assess the financial impact before finalising any changes.
Stakeholders, including temple administrators and regular users, have welcomed the possibility of a fee waiver, citing the potential for increased accessibility, especially for low‑income contributors.
The HR&CE department has not yet released an official statement, and further updates are expected as the review progresses.