Sabarimala Free Aravana Distribution Capped at 50,000 Tins; Special Register Made Mandatory
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has capped the distribution of Aravana prasadam under the 'Free Issue' category at 50,000 tins for the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. This category covers free prasadam given to official guests, elected representatives, senior government officials, Devaswom Board employees and personnel from various departments deployed at Sabarimala for pilgrimage duties.
The Board took the decision on October 27, and its Standing Counsel informed the Kerala High Court about the move.
The Board has also introduced stricter guidelines to ensure transparency in the distribution. The names and other details of all recipients must be recorded in a separate register. The Executive Officer has been instructed to maintain proper records and accounts of every tin issued free of cost.
Under the new guidelines, no free Aravana can be distributed without an application or slip issued by the Executive Officer. The officer will be responsible for monitoring and regulating the entire distribution process.
The decision follows a report by Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, which highlighted irregularities in the distribution of Aravana and Appam under the 'Free Issue' category. The report also pointed out lapses in maintaining proper accounts of the prasadam distributed.
Taking serious note of the findings, the Kerala High Court initiated a suo motu case and directed the Devaswom Board to introduce effective controls to ensure proper documentation, monitoring and accountability in free prasadam distribution.
Complaints had emerged over alleged widespread irregularities in the distribution of free prasadam to these categories and for official purposes. The 50,000-tin ceiling is aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring better control over free Aravana distribution during the pilgrimage season.
Recording the Board's decision, the Devaswom Bench comprising Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar disposed of the case. Amicus Curiae Sayoojy Radhakrishnan also appeared before the court.