No salary for 5 years – Devaswom Board temple forced to close down

Mancheri: The callous attitude of the government has resulted in remonstrations by employees of Karikkaadu Devaswom under Malabar Devaswom Board, leading to closure of temples temporarily. It is said that employees have not been given salary since five years, an amount which is reported to be over a crore. The temples that come under Karikkadu Devaswom and stands affected are Karikkadu Subramanian Temple, Oranaadom Shiva Temple, Poothrottu Vishnu Temple, Vellambara Ayyappa Temple, Painkulangara Shiva Temple, Kuttiyil Ayyappa temple etc.

Hindu organizations have stood as mediators between Trustee members and temple employees. “Even though remonstrations had taken place earlier, Devaswom Board authorities have turned a blind eye towards the same. Talks have also yielded unsuccessful results. There have been lapses and that is what led to closure of temples,” said an employee under condition of anonymity. Apart from this, Hindu organizations have sought entrusting of temple administration in the hands of devotees.

“The demands made by employees are justifiable. So the matter has to be settled at the earliest. Currently the government is using temple money to fill its exchequers. But they are simply blind towards the plight of temple employees,” said devotees. However Devaswom Board authorities are said to have declared that pendig salary will not be granted immediately.