India denies temple gold monetisation claims, calls viral reports 'false and baseless'

The Ministry of Finance has denied claims on social media and in some media reports suggesting it is planning to issue gold bonds against temple gold reserves or monetise gold held by religious institutions.

Calling the claims “completely false, misleading and without any basis,” the government clarified that there is no such proposal or approved scheme to monetise gold held by temple trusts or any other religious institution in the country.

It also rejected a specific viral claim that gold used in temple structures — such as plates on towers, doors or other parts — could be treated as “Strategic Gold Reserves of India,” calling it “false, misleading and entirely baseless.”


The government has urged citizens not to believe or circulate such rumours, adding that unverified information only fuels confusion and misleads the public.

It further reiterated that any updates on policy decisions or government schemes are shared only through official channels, including press releases, government websites and verified public communication platforms.