Minister free to order inquiry into 'Prasadam' contract: TDB

Pathanamthitta, Nov 25 (UNI) Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President C K Guptan today said Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran was free to order a vigilance inquiry if he was certain of irregularities in the contract awarded to prepare 'Aravana Prasadam' at Lord Ayyappa Temple.

Talking to reporters at the temple 'Sannidhanam,' he said Mr Sudhakaran had never suggested any name to him for consideration while awarding the contract for 'Aravana Prasadam'.

Mr Guptan categorically denied any interference from Devaswom Minister in the affairs of the TDB.

He said annulment of the contract and takeover of the 'Prasadam' preparation by the TDB were done adhering to the rules and regulations.

The regulated supply of 'Aravana Prasadam' was lifted and now each devotee could purchase ten tins of 'Prasadam', he said.

Mr Guptan said the TDB had decided to take action against 53 Devaswom employees for absenteeism.

UNI