The tax contributions of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (Ram Mandir Trust) and various Waqf Boards in India reveal a striking contrast in compliance and revenue generation, reflecting differences in asset management, governance, and transparency.
Ram Mandir Trust Tax Contributions
Since its establishment on February 5, 2020, the Ram Mandir Trust has paid approximately Rs 400 crore in taxes to the government over five years, ending February 2025. Of this total, about Rs 270 crore was paid as Goods and Services Tax (GST), while Rs 130 crore came from other tax categories such as registration fees, revenue tax, labor funds, insurance, and development charges.
The trust’s tax payments correspond to a total expenditure of around Rs 2,150 crore on the temple’s construction and related activities. The surge in religious tourism to Ayodhya—16 crore visitors in the last year alone, including 5 crore devotees visiting the Ram temple—has boosted local employment and economic activity, further increasing tax contributions.
The trust’s financial transparency is reinforced by regular audits conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the implementation of an ERP accounting system to detect errors quickly.
Waqf Boards Tax Contributions
In contrast, Waqf Boards across India manage around 8.8 lakh properties valued at over Rs 1 lakh crore, including mosques, graveyards, commercial establishments, and agricultural land. Despite this vast asset base, their tax and GST payments are minimal. According to multiple reports and government data, Waqf Boards have paid only about Rs 1 crore in taxes, including GST, which is negligible compared to their property values[User’s prior context].
This low tax contribution is attributed to several factors:
- Many Waqf Boards claim exemptions on religious and charitable grounds.
- There is widespread poor compliance and lack of proper auditing.
- Many properties are not properly recorded or leased out transparently.
- Only a few Waqf Boards are registered under GST.
- Tax authorities have issued notices for non-compliance, but enforcement remains weak.
Recent legislative amendments (Waqf Amendment Act, 2025) aim to improve governance, transparency, and auditing of Waqf properties, which may enhance tax compliance in the future.
Comparative Table: Ram Mandir Trust vs. Waqf Boards Tax Payments
| Aspect | Ram Mandir Trust | Waqf Boards (All India) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | (Temple + land) | Over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of properties |
| Number of Properties Managed | Limited to Ram Mandir complex | Approximately 8.8 lakh properties |
| Total Tax + GST Paid (5 years) | ~Rs 400 crore | ~Rs 1 crore (approximate) |
| GST Paid | Rs 270 crore | Minimal, few boards registered |
| Other Taxes Paid | Rs 130 crore | Negligible or unreported |
| Transparency & Auditing | Regular CAG audits, ERP accounting | Poor auditing, limited transparency |
| Compliance Level | High | Low |
| Economic Impact | Boost to local economy via tourism | Limited economic impact reported |
Conclusion
The Ram Mandir Trust exemplifies a model of financial discipline and tax compliance, contributing nearly Rs 400 crore in taxes over five years, driven by significant economic activity and transparent governance. In stark contrast, Waqf Boards, despite controlling a vast portfolio of properties worth over Rs 1 lakh crore, have contributed an estimated Rs 1 crore in taxes, highlighting systemic issues in management, compliance, and transparency.
The ongoing reforms targeting Waqf Boards aim to bridge this gap, but the current disparity underscores the need for stronger enforcement and modernization to unlock the full economic potential of Waqf properties for public benefit. Meanwhile, the Ram Mandir Trust’s tax contributions reflect the growing economic footprint of religious tourism and infrastructure development in Ayodhya.
