The Hindu : Front Page : TDB decides to take over ‘annadanam’

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Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008
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TDB decides to take over ‘annadanam’

Special Correspondent

TDB president C.K. Guptan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A meeting of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) here on Monday decided to take over the ‘annadanam’ (free distribution of food to pilgrims) at Sabarimala.

Briefing reporters about the decisions of the meeting, board president C.K. Guptan said private trusts including the Ayyappa Seva Sanghom would not be permitted to conduct the ‘annadanam’ at the Sannidhanam on their own. They would have to remit a fee and the board would offer food to the pilgrims on behalf of the trusts or individuals. The decision had been taken considering the revenue loss incurred by the board in this regard. Private trusts were collecting substantial sums in the name of the ‘annadanam’ and were utilising only a very small amount for the purpose. Commissioner P.V. Nalinakshan Nair had been directed to seek legal opinion and submit a report at the next meeting, he said.

The board pledged total cooperation to the high-power committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar for organising the festival in a smooth and efficient manner. But the president said the committee could have been appointed without accusing the board of inaction.

The board had taken all possible steps for conducting the festival during the past one year. Still it was undermined, he said.

The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) had demanded Rs.3.85 crore from the board for supplying drinking water.

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