K Jayakumar IAS likely to become new president of Travancore Devaswom Board

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IAS K Jayakumar is likely to become the next president of the Travancore Devaswom Board. Reports say that CPM is actively considering Jayakumar, a former Chief Secretary, for the role. The decision will be announced after consulting the Chief Minister. Jayakumar is currently the Director of the Institute of Management in Government (IMG).

With the gold theft case in Sabarimala bringing ill repute to the government, the CPM had to devise a plan to win back trust by assigning a person with extensive experience in the administration to overhaul the Devaswom. Jayakumar, a former Chief Secretary and previously held the post of Sabarimala Special Commissioner, was thus zeroed in by party leadership for the role.

The term of the current president, P.S. Prashanth, and board member A. Ajikumar ends on the 12th. CPI state committee member Vilappil Radhakrishnan will replace Ajikumar. The government and the Devaswom Department initially had the opinion that the current board continue until the end of the Mandalam season. It was also decided to bring an ordinance to extend the term. The High Court's remark came in the meantime.

There was also concern of a backlash if moved with an ordinance. Moreover, a crisis was in the picture, since there is a court remark, and the possibility of the Governor not signing the ordinance.