Rs 8.5 lakhs spent on food for just 500 people; Global Ayyappa Conclave mired in controversy

KOCHI: The financial transactions of the pompously held Global Ayyappa conclave continue to raise eyebrows. The event was conducted by the Devaswom Board on September 20th at the banks of the Pampa River. The government's claim that not a single rupee was spent from the Devaswom fund has also been refuted in the report submitted to the High Court.

It was said that 3000 people had food on the night of the event. However, in reality, it was reported that fewer than 500 ate food at the event. A huge amount of food was wasted. It was said that Rs 8.5 lakhs were spent on the food served to 5000 people in the afternoon on the day of the event. Contrary to this comes the fact that only 4000 people attended the event.

The event was held in violation of the court order. There are no accurate figures or bills. Many figures are not recorded in the joint measurement sheet. Out of 150 beds purchased, only 100 are in the figures. The 50 beds costing Rs. 1,73,000 are not recorded. It has been shown that Rs. 24,17,581 was spent on extra items. However, there are no bills and documents for this. Although Rs. 2,80,000 was allocated for panelling and cable work at the venue, this was also not included in the figures.

The Devaswom bench, which examined the report, had assessed that there were serious irregularities in the financial transaction. An explanation has been sought from the board and the state audit department. The court will consider it again on the 27th.

The management responsibility was given to the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction, a subsidiary of the Uralungal Society. The report states that auditing is difficult as the invoices given are not categorised. The contract was awarded for a ten per cent excess amount. Since the documents are not accurate, the board will suffer losses in terms of GST input tax. There is no GST number on the hotel bills either.

The Sabarimala Special Commissioner has now submitted a report to the High Court stating that the Devaswom Board did not even receive the money spent for the event.

Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan had told the Legislative Assembly two weeks ago that the board received the money it had spent in advance on the Global Ayyappa conclave.