Gaya: An inquiry has begun into allegations of wrongdoing by foreign monasteries based in Bodh Gaya. The probe has been initiated following complaints of alleged malpractices by the operators of these monasteries.There are more than 50 functional foreign monasteries in Bodh Gaya. The inquiry, ordered by district magistrate (DM) Shashank Shubhankar, is being conducted by a four-member team headed by additional district magistrate (ADM), law and order. The other members of the committee include the Gaya Sadar sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), chief executive officer of the Bodh Gaya Nagar Parishad and circle officer, Bodh Gaya.The inquiry committee has been asked to submit its report by March 7. Follow-up action will be taken on the basis of the committee’s findings. The probe was ordered following complaints lodged by local stakeholders, including the Bodh Gaya Hotel Association.According to the complaint, although the monasteries were established for religious purposes, they are allegedly engaged in commercial activities. These include the sale of personal-use items to tourists and pilgrims, articles used in religious rituals, mementos and the commercial use of monastery guest houses. The complainants claim that such activities are causing losses to both the public exchequer and local businesses, as rules relating to foreign exchange, commercial taxes, service charges and other financial obligations are allegedly not being followed by these monasteries.The complainants further allege that while the organised hospitality sector is required to mandatorily submit Form C to the foreign section of the district police upon the arrival of foreign nationals, the foreign monasteries do not comply with such regulations. It has also been alleged that provisions of the Foreigners Act are not being adhered to by the foreign monasteries.On several occasions in the past, the monasteries have reportedly been served notices by the municipal body regarding encroachment on public land, alleged clandestine transactions involving unsaleable land, and violations of building construction norms. Pending completion of the inquiry, the monasteries have been restrained from undertaking any new construction or renovation of existing structures.Tensing, president of the Bodh Gaya-based International Buddhist Council, said he was not aware of any inquiry ordered by the DM. “The monasteries have their own distinct character,” said Tensing.According to Md Shafiq, ADM (law and order) and head of the inquiry team, the process is at an initial stage and a detailed survey of all monasteries is being conducted. “I have little to say at this stage,” said the ADM.
