The Ministry of Finance issued a clarification on 19 May 2026 denying reports and social media claims regarding any proposed monetisation of temple gold holdings. The Government categorically stated that rumours suggesting issuance of gold bonds in exchange for temple gold reserves or implementation of a monetisation scheme for gold held by temple trusts and religious institutions are completely false, misleading, and baseless. The clarification also rejected claims that gold plates on temple towers, doors, or temple structures would be treated as part of India’s “Strategic Gold Reserves.” The Government emphasized that no such proposal has been approved or considered. Citizens were advised not to believe or circulate unverified information, as such rumours create unnecessary confusion and mislead the public. The Ministry further urged people to rely only on official communications released through authorised government channels, including official press releases, websites, and verified public communication platforms for authentic policy-related information.
Ministry of Finance
Clarification on false claims on monetisation of temple gold holdings
Posted On: 19 MAY 2026 9:37AM by PIB Delhi
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.
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 is also 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.
Citizens are requested not to believe or circulate such rumours. Spreading unverified information creates unnecessary confusion and may mislead the public.
The Government urges all citizens to rely only on official communications issued through authorised channels. Any information regarding policy decisions or government schemes will be shared through official press releases, government websites, and verified public communication platforms.
