Kerala Government Denies Responsibility for Global Ayyappa Sangamam's Financial Loss
The Kerala state government has explicitly distanced itself from the financial responsibilities associated with the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, a major religious event. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan asserted that the event was organized solely by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), with the government merely offering logistical assistance.
Minister's Statement on Financial Accountability
In response to an audit report submitted by the Sabarimala special commissioner to the Kerala High Court, Minister Vasavan clarified the government's limited involvement. The audit revealed that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam resulted in a substantial loss of Rs 3.4 crore for the TDB. According to the report, total expenses for the event amounted to Rs 7.4 crore, while sponsorship contributions only reached Rs 4 crore.
"The government only provided logistical support to the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. It is known that Rs 4 crore was obtained through sponsorship. The devaswom board is responsible for providing the remaining financial details," Vasavan stated. He emphasized that the government had no direct role in organizing the event and therefore cannot be held accountable for the financial shortfall.
TDB President's Response and Upcoming Board Meeting
TDB President K Jayakumar acknowledged the financial imbalance, confirming that sponsorship receipts totaled only Rs 4 crore against higher expenses. He announced that a board meeting has been scheduled for February 17 to address the issue comprehensively. The meeting aims to review all expenses, explore solutions, and discuss efforts to secure additional sponsorships.
Jayakumar further explained that the event coordinator, ULCC, has been invited to the board meeting since they managed all funding for the event. This step is intended to ensure transparency and facilitate a thorough examination of the financial records.
SIT Scrutiny and Investigative Findings
Adding to the controversy, the Global Ayyappa Sangamam is now under the scrutiny of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). An interim report submitted to the Kerala High Court in connection with the Sabarimala gold heist case contains significant findings related to the sangamam.
The report highlights that the event, which took place during the tenure of former TDB President P S Prasanth, was not recorded in the minutes of the Devaswom meeting. This omission raises serious questions about procedural adherence and transparency.
Furthermore, the SIT report points out ambiguities in the utilization of funds for the Global Ayyappa Convention, suggesting potential mismanagement or irregularities that warrant further investigation. These findings underscore the need for a detailed audit and accountability from the TDB regarding the event's financial management.
The unfolding situation places the Travancore Devaswom Board under intense pressure to clarify financial discrepancies and ensure proper governance in future religious events.
