Proposal to Establish Aravana Tin Factory by Devaswom Board Stalled
Sabarimala: The Travancore Devaswom Board's proposal to establish its own manufacturing unit for Aravana tins has reportedly been derailed due to the influence of intermediaries, who allegedly feared losing commissions earned through the existing procurement system.
The Board requires approximately 35 million tins annually for packaging the famous Sabarimala Aravana prasadam. As a result of the stalled project, tins will once again have to be sourced from external suppliers this year.
Traditionally, the procurement of tins is carried out through a tender process. Although advance orders are usually placed, shortages have frequently occurred, disrupting the distribution of Aravana during pilgrimage seasons. To address this recurring issue, the Devaswom Board had proposed setting up its own Aravana container manufacturing plant.
The project was envisioned not only to meet Sabarimala's requirements but also to supply tins to several other major temples under the Board's administration, including Nilakkal, Malayalappuzha, Chettikulangara, Valliyamkavu, and Ambalappuzha. During the tenure of former Board President K. Ananthagopan, land was identified at Thelliyoor for the proposed facility.
However, enthusiasm for the project waned after a new Board assumed office. The issue was later revisited during the tenure of the previous Board headed by President P.S. Prashanth.
To reduce transportation costs associated with moving tins from Thelliyoor, plans were also considered to establish a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) based plant at Nilakkal. However, certain individuals reportedly convinced the previous Board that the factory would not be financially viable and that continuing with the existing tender-based system would be a better option.
Consequently, the project was shelved for the time being, and contracts for tin supply were awarded to private companies.
Although a new Travancore Devaswom Board led by President K. Jayakumar has since assumed office, the proposal to establish a tin manufacturing plant has not yet been taken up for consideration. Tender procedures for the procurement of tins are expected to commence shortly.
During the previous pilgrimage season, sales of Aravana prasadam generated revenue amounting to ₹198 crore.