Amid Growing Differences, Kerala Government Considers IAS-Led Administration of Sabarimala Pilgrim Season
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is considering handing over the management of the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala to a committee headed by an IAS officer. The proposal comes amid growing differences between the UDF government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which was constituted by the previous LDF government.
Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan said the government has sought legal advice from the Advocate General regarding the proposal. If the legal opinion is favourable, the government will approach the Kerala High Court. A final decision will be taken after discussions with Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, the minister told.
The proposed temporary arrangement would also include the Pathanamthitta District Collector, while the detailed structure and responsibilities of the committee will be decided after further consultations.
Concerns Over TDB's Functioning
When asked whether the government considers the Devaswom Board inefficient, Minister Muraleedharan pointed to what he described as a series of lapses, including alleged irregularities related to ghee procurement and the shortage of Aravana prasadam.
The latest disagreement between the government and the TDB has centred on the shortage of Aravana. The Board's decision to restrict Aravana sales during the ongoing monthly pooja has led to dissatisfaction among pilgrims.
The TDB has attributed the shortage to maintenance work being carried out at the Aravana manufacturing plant. However, Minister Muraleedharan said he was not satisfied with the explanation and maintained that the maintenance work should have been planned in a way that did not affect the availability of Aravana.
Government Raises Concerns Ahead of Mandala-Makaravilakku Season
The government is also concerned about preparations for the annual pilgrimage season, which is scheduled to begin in mid-November. According to the minister, tendering for the procurement of materials and several other preparations are not being handled by the Board on time or in the manner expected.
The development comes after the Kerala government recently strengthened the administrative setup for Sabarimala ahead of the pilgrimage season, including the creation of an upgraded Sabarimala ADM post in the IAS cadre.
Minister Denies Political Motive
Minister Muraleedharan rejected allegations that the government's position towards the TDB is politically motivated because its members were appointed by the previous LDF government.
He said politics had no role in the decision and pointed out that the government does not have similar issues with other Devaswom Boards. According to the minister, the proposed steps are based on the functioning of the Travancore Devaswom Board and concerns over its ability to meet the expected standards.
The proposal is currently under consideration, and any temporary administrative arrangement would require further consultations and, if pursued, consideration by the Kerala High Court.