The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has constituted a four-member inquiry panel to investigate allegations of donation irregularities at the Badrinath Dham. The decision was taken during a BKTC meeting on Tuesday, following complaints about mismanagement of devotees' offerings and donations.
Panel Composition and Mandate
The panel will be headed by BKTC Vice President Dr. Dinesh Chandra Tiwari. Other members include BKTC member Dr. Rakesh Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BKTC, and a representative from the state government. The panel has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.
The committee will look into the alleged irregularities in the collection and accounting of donations, including cash and gold offerings. It will also examine the security arrangements for the donation boxes and the transparency in the utilization of funds.
Background of the Allegations
The allegations came to light after a video went viral showing a priest allegedly mishandling cash donations at the temple. The video sparked outrage among devotees and prompted the BKTC to take action. In the video, the priest can be seen stuffing cash into his pocket instead of depositing it in the donation box.
According to BKTC officials, the temple receives donations worth crores of rupees annually, including cash, gold, and silver. The temple is one of the richest in the country, with a significant portion of its income coming from donations by pilgrims.
BKTC's Response
BKTC President Dr. Dinesh Chandra Tiwari said, "We have formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty. We are committed to ensuring transparency in the management of donations." He added that the committee will also suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The BKTC has also decided to install CCTV cameras in the temple premises to monitor the donation collection process. Additionally, the committee will review the existing procedures for handling donations and recommend changes if necessary.
Reactions from Devotees
The decision has been welcomed by devotees and religious leaders. Many have expressed confidence in the BKTC's ability to conduct a fair investigation. However, some have called for a more comprehensive audit of the temple's finances.
One devotee said, "We trust the temple committee, but there should be a thorough investigation to restore faith. The temple is a holy place, and any mismanagement of donations is unacceptable."
Next Steps
The panel will begin its investigation immediately and is expected to submit its report within two weeks. Based on the findings, the BKTC will take appropriate action, which could include disciplinary measures against the erring staff and changes in the donation management system.
The BKTC has also appealed to devotees to report any suspicious activities related to donations to the temple authorities. The committee aims to ensure that all offerings are used for the development and maintenance of the temple and for the welfare of pilgrims.
