States » SouthPosted at: Oct 17 2026 7:44AM


Sabarimala preparations: Employees’ front alleges lapses, warns of Rs 10-crore revenue loss

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 17 (UNI) The Travancore Devaswom Employees Front has urged the government to intervene urgently in the preparations for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season, alleging serious lapses in arrangements and warning that the Travancore Devaswom Board could lose more than ₹10 crore in revenue.
In a complaint submitted to the Chief Minister and the Devaswom Minister, the organisation raised concerns over the exclusion of auction items, the decision to provide certain facilities free of charge, rising expenditure and arrangements for transporting essential materials to Sannidhanam.
It demanded that the issues be examined at the Chief Minister’s review meeting and corrective measures implemented within a fixed timeframe.
The front alleged that around 28 items auctioned in 2025 had been excluded from this year’s auctions on seemingly minor grounds, potentially resulting in a revenue loss of more than ₹10 crore.
It also questioned the decision to make toilet complexes, which had previously attracted substantial auction bids, available free of charge without adequately assessing the financial implications.
The organisation opposed the proposed increase in the virtual queue fee to ₹10, stating that it would place an additional burden on pilgrims. It argued that the revenue generated through the fee would not match the amount the Board could earn through auctions, pointing out that toilet auctions alone could fetch more than ₹3 crore.
The front also expressed concern over the decision to require contractors to deliver goods only to Pampa, with the Board taking responsibility for transporting them to Sannidhanam after inspection. The arrangement could disrupt the supply of materials, including jaggery required for Aravana production, it said. The availability of tractors, additional transportation expenses, vehicle waiting time and a shortage of workers could further complicate the process.
The organisation demanded a review of auction procedures at Sabarimala and an explanation for delays in conducting auctions at Erumeli. It also called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Devaswom Executive Officer’s application for voluntary retirement despite having around six years of service remaining, and the subsequent withdrawal of the application. The front sought to establish whether the decision was linked to concerns over the pilgrimage preparations.
The complaint highlighted the need to improve facilities at the staff mess at Sannidhanam, including infrastructure, food quality and accessibility from duty locations. The front demanded the restoration of the old Devaswom staff mess on the lines of the police mess and the introduction of a shift system instead of requiring employees to work continuously for 66 days.
It also sought the implementation of the UDF manifesto promise to install a modern scanner to ensure the dignity and security of Bhandaram staff during checking. Complaints of political influence and partiality in appointments and duty allocations at key duty centres should also be investigated, the organisation said.
The front alleged that decisions with significant financial implications were depriving the Board of potential revenue while unnecessary expenditure continued to increase. It sought transparency on the exclusion of auction items, the cost of providing free services and the justification for the proposed virtual queue fee hike.
The organisation urged the government to ensure that Sabarimala preparations prioritised pilgrims’ convenience, employees’ welfare and the financial interests of the Devaswom Board.
UNI DS
Tags: #Sabarimala preparations: Employees’ front alleges lapses# warns of Rs 10-crore revenue loss
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see more..