DD News and the Press Information Bureau fact-check units jointly moved to deny viral claims on social media alleging a government plan to issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for temple gold reserves. Both government information bodies coordinated their response to prevent the spread of financial misinformation tied to religious institutions.
The viral posts suggested that gold held by temple trusts would be monetized through a new central scheme and that decorative gold on temple structures might be classified as strategic national reserves. Officials said no such policy exists and urged citizens to rely on authorized government channels for accurate information. The development was among items reported on May 19 across courts, markets, and international affairs. Officials did not immediately release further on-the-record statements beyond initial summaries available that day.
PIB Fact Check labeled the circulating claim as fake on May 18, a day before the Finance Ministry issued a formal statement describing the rumors as completely false, misleading and without basis. DD News carried the denial in its broadcast coverage to reach audiences beyond social media platforms. Officials did not immediately release further on-the-record statements beyond initial summaries available that day.
The confusion appears linked in part to public discussion of earlier gold-related programs, including the now-discontinued Sovereign Gold Bond scheme, which operated on different terms unrelated to temple holdings. Separate controversies over temple gold management in some states also contributed to misinterpretation online. Analysts said stakeholders would review implications as additional records become available through formal channels.
Finance Ministry officials clarified that speculation about monetisation schemes for gold held by temple trusts or any religious institution has no foundation in current policy. They further rejected claims that gold plates on towers, doors or other temple structures would be treated as strategic gold reserves. The development was among items reported on May 19 across courts, markets, and international affairs.
Government advisories asked users not to forward unverified messages that create unnecessary public confusion. Fact-check teams said coordinated responses between broadcast and digital verification units help limit the reach of false financial narratives during periods of heightened online activity.
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