India's Finance Ministry has issued a strong rebuttal to viral social media claims alleging that the government plans to introduce a gold monetisation scheme for temple trusts and other religious institutions. The ministry unequivocally labelled these rumours as "completely false, misleading, and without any basis."
The Viral Rumor
The false claims, which gained traction on social media platforms, suggested that the Government of India would issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for their gold reserves. Furthermore, the rumors falsely asserted that gold plates installed on temple towers, doors, or other structures would be designated as "Strategic Gold Reserves of India."
A user identified as Prashanth Kini was cited for circulating one such claim, stating, "Government of India will issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for temple gold reserves...!! The gold plates on the towers and doors of the temple will be considered as strategic gold reserves of India...!!"
Official Rebuttal and Clarification
The Ministry of Finance, along with the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit, swiftly debunked these assertions. The ministry's official release stressed that "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."
It further clarified, "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."
Advice to the Public
The Finance Ministry urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid believing or circulating such "unverified information," which can create unnecessary confusion and mislead the public. It advised individuals to rely solely on official communications through authorised government channels for accurate information regarding policy decisions and schemes.