Thiruvananthapuram – In a move that politicians and the public alike are watching, the Kerala government has appointed former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar as the new head of the Travancore Devasom Board (TDB). The decision comes as the High Court‑appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) digs deeper into a gold‑smuggling scandal that has rocked the Sabarimala temple.
Jayakumar, a 73‑year‑old civil servant who served under both Left‑leaning and UDF governments, was told of the appointment by Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan. In his own words, he sees the role as a “great opportunity” rather than a challenge. “My priority will be to ensure a smooth pilgrimage season,” he said. “People have concerns because of the recent issues at Sabarimala. I must reassure everyone that things are in order and protect the faith of devotees.”
The TDB is responsible for managing the Sabarimala shrine, as well as many other temples in Kerala. In recent weeks, news of alleged gold–plating theft at Sabarimala has sparked public outrage. The SIT investigation is looking into whether former top employees helped remove and illegally sell gold. As a former chief secretary and a former member of the committee that oversees pilgrimage operations, Jayakumar brings administrative experience and familiarity with the temple’s inner workings.
Jayakumar is no stranger to public service after his retirement. He served as the first Vice‑Chairman of the Institute of Management in Government, is a director at the state’s premier civil‑service training institute, and even headed Malayalam University. He also runs a creative side as a poet, lyricist, and screenwriter, and is the son of veteran filmmaker M. Krishnan Nair.
Politically, the appointment breaks with tradition: the TDB’s top positions are usually held by elected officials. By choosing an experienced bureaucrat, the government hopes to restore credibility to the Board amid controversy, and to steady pilgrimages as the Makaravilakku season approaches.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
