Government to Prepare Complete Asset Details of Temples Under Devaswom Boards Across Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has initiated steps to assess the total asset value of all temples under the state’s Devaswom Boards. The exercise will cover gold, land and other movable and immovable assets held by the temples.
Devaswom Secretary Dr. M.G. Rajamanickyam has been entrusted with overseeing the process. Detailed information on the assets of temples under each Devaswom Board will be collected and compiled into a comprehensive report.
The valuation will cover gold, silver and other valuables, as well as land, buildings and other movable and immovable properties. Their current market value will also be assessed to determine the overall asset value of Devaswom temples across the state.
The move comes amid the controversy surrounding the alleged Sabarimala gold theft and the Kerala High Court’s observations regarding the lack of clarity over the valuation and records of gold held by the Guruvayur temple.
The government aims to ensure accurate accounting and proper documentation of temple assets, particularly gold and other valuables. Once the assessment is completed, the government is expected to have a clearer picture of the assets held by Devaswom institutions across Kerala.
The assessment is also expected to strengthen future asset management and protection by establishing accurate and updated records of temple properties and valuables.