Sabarimala Aadiya Ghee Irregularity: Audit Report Finds ₹25.52 Lakh Gap
Kochi: The state audit department on Friday informed the Kerala High Court that it had detected serious financial irregularities in the accounting of ‘Aadiya Sishtam’ ghee at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple, including a discrepancy of ₹25.52 lakh.
According to the audit findings submitted before the court, the shortfall emerged during a detailed examination of records relating to the distribution and sale of ghee pouches at the temple. While records maintained by the Temple Special Officer show a remittance of ₹3,17,37,200, the amount that should have been collected based on the number of pouches distributed was calculated at ₹3,42,89,200.
The audit department also raised serious concerns about the manner in which financial records were maintained. Transactions involving lakhs of rupees were reportedly recorded not in official registers or digital systems but in just four ordinary school notebooks maintained by temple authorities.
On examining these notebooks, auditors found numerous overwritings, corrections and alterations. In several instances, the entries were reportedly unclear and difficult to read, making verification of the figures challenging. The department told the court that the records lacked the basic standards of accuracy, transparency and diligence expected in the handling of funds contributed by devotees.
The audit further pointed out significant fluctuations in the number of ghee pouches produced per kilogram of plastic roll, raising additional doubts about the reliability of the accounting process.
Highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability, the audit department recommended that the temple administration complete the digitisation of its accounting system before the next festival season. The move, it said, would help improve monitoring of financial transactions and prevent discrepancies.
Taking note of the audit observations, the High Court directed the concerned authorities to carry out a comprehensive audit and submit a detailed report before the court.