Devaswom Board to Ensure Transparency in Financial Transactions; Pilot Project to Begin at Sabarimala: K. Jayakumar
Pathanamthitta: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is planning to digitise financial transactions across temples under its administration, including offerings, donations, and room bookings. TDB President K. Jayakumar said on Tuesday that the Board has held discussions with 17 banks as part of the initiative to modernise temple operations.
Speaking to the media, Jayakumar said the Board aims to digitise all major financial services, including vazhipadu (offerings), hundi collections, room bookings, ticketing, and accounting systems, to improve transparency and efficiency.
The Board has asked participating banks to submit proposals that would enable devotees to carry out transactions in a transparent and convenient manner. Based on the proposals received, 16 banks were invited for discussions, while two more banks joined the talks after learning about the initiative.
"Many banks have approached the Devaswom Board with various proposals. As the Board moves towards greater transparency and operational efficiency, we are trying to adopt modern technology. We have decided to upgrade systems such as offering tickets and accounting in line with changing times. We are moving away from the old practice of issuing handwritten carbon-copy receipts and entering the digital era. Discussions have been held with 17 banks as part of this effort. Our primary objective is to enhance the experience of devotees while ensuring complete transparency," he said.
Jayakumar said the Board will take a final decision after further consultations. "We have realised that it is no longer possible to move forward without digital payment systems. The plan is to implement the project first at Sabarimala, with the goal of making its operations fully online. We are also working to digitise procurement and other administrative processes. If the initiative proves successful at Sabarimala, it will be extended to all temples under the Board. We are trying to introduce the system at Sabarimala itself during the upcoming pilgrimage season, while pilot projects are also being considered at other temples," he added.
TDB to Seek Kerala HC's Approval on Thantri Appointment
Responding to the ongoing controversy over the appointment of the next Sabarimala Thantri, Jayakumar said there is no dispute regarding the appointment itself.
He said the present Thantri, Kandararu Rajeevaru, had informed the Board that due to health issues he would be unable to continue in the position or participate in the customary interview process this year. In his letter, Rajeevaru requested that his son be appointed as the next Thantri.
"The request cannot simply be rejected, so the Board examined the letter," Jayakumar said.
He explained that a new Thantri must assume office in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Under normal circumstances, the Board would only need to approve the request. However, given the present legal situation, the Board has decided to inform the Kerala High Court through the Special Commissioner before taking a final decision.
"As Kandararu Rajeevaru is an accused in a case currently pending before the High Court, the Board felt it would be inappropriate not to bring the matter to the court's attention. Normally, a change of Thantri does not require the court's approval. But in the present circumstances, the Board wants to ensure there is no legal intervention after it proceeds with the appointment. We expect the court's direction within a month," Jayakumar said.