Uttarakhand News: Government Orders High-Level Probe Into Alleged Irregularities in Offerings at Badrinath Temple, BKTC Employee Suspended

The Uttarakhand government has ordered a three-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities in handling donations at Badrinath Temple, with BKTC suspending an official and an FIR filed. The panel will review management practices and report within 15 days, aiming to strengthen transparency and accountability in temple administration.

The Uttarakhand Government has ordered a high-level inquiry into alleged irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings at Badrinath Temple, following directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Alongside the probe, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has suspended an employee and an FIR has been registered in the case.

The state government has constituted a three-member committee under the chairmanship of Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. The committee has been directed to submit its report, along with recommendations, to the state government within 15 days.

The inquiry panel includes Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop as Chairperson, National Health Mission (NHM) Managing Director Sandeep Tiwari, and Jagat Singh Chauhan, Director (Finance) in the Office of the Director General, Medical and Health Department, as members.

According to an order issued by Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal, the committee will examine all aspects related to the management of donations and offerings received at Badrinath Temple. It has also been authorised to seek assistance from experts or government officials, if required, during the course of the investigation. The committee will also recommend measures to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of temple offerings.

BKTC employee suspended, FIR registered

In a parallel administrative action, the BKTC has suspended Pramod Nautiyal, Personal Assistant posted in the Chairman's Office, with immediate effect. An FIR has also been registered against him.

According to BKTC, a show-cause notice had been issued to Nautiyal on July 3 after prima facie allegations of serious irregularities in the discharge of his official duties surfaced. A four-member internal inquiry committee was subsequently formed to investigate the matter.

After examining his response and the preliminary findings, the allegations were found to have prima facie merit. The inquiry committee recommended disciplinary action, observing that allowing him to continue in his current position could adversely affect the investigation.

Suspension terms

During the suspension period, Nautiyal will receive a subsistence allowance as per applicable rules. He has been attached to the BKTC office in Joshimath, Chamoli district, and will not be allowed to leave the headquarters without prior approval from the competent authority. He has also been directed to fully cooperate with the ongoing inquiry and disciplinary proceedings.

Government reiterates commitment to transparency

The BKTC stated that transparency, accountability and administrative discipline remain its top priorities. It reiterated that any irregularity in the functioning of the temple administration will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. The state government said the inquiry is aimed at ensuring a fair investigation and strengthening public confidence in the management of one of the country's most revered pilgrimage sites.