Ayodhya (UP), Mar 16 (PTI) The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has paid about Rs 400 crore in taxes to the government over the past five years, amid a surge in religious tourism, Trust Secretary Champat Rai said on Sunday.

He said the amount was paid between February 5, 2020 and February 5, 2025.

Of this, Rs 270 crore was paid as goods and services tax (GST), while the remaining Rs 130 crore was paid under various other tax categories, he said.

Ayodhya has witnessed a tenfold increase in devotees and tourists, transforming it into a major religious tourism hub, and generating employment opportunities for locals, he said, adding that during the Maha Kumbh 1.26 crore devotees visited Ayodhya.

In the last year, Ayodhya recorded 16 crore visitors, with 5 crore visiting the Ram temple.

The trust's financial records are regularly audited by officials from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Rai added. PTI CORR ABN TRB

Tax compliance: Trust reports substantial GST and other tax contributions amid increased religious tourism and audit oversight. The Trust reported aggregate tax remittances over a five year period, allocating amounts between GST and other tax categories, and stated that its financial records are regularly audited by officials of the Comptroller and Auditor General as part of oversight of its fiscal disclosures.