Work from early morning to late night at Rs 300, Devaswom Board ignores plight of 'kazhagam' employees

PATHANAMTHITTA: Daily wage of 300 rupees after working from early morning to late night. This is the status of temporary employees in the Travancore Devaswom Board's 'kazhagam' post named as 'substitutes'. The work starts before the temple opens in the morning and ends with cleaning after the temple closes at night. In Cochin Devaswom Board, the daily wage for substitute workers is Rs 525. Although the major temples in Travancore have more income than the Cochin Devaswom Board, the salary is only Rs.300. About 200 people, including those who have been working for 15 years, are in this post. The daily wage which was 250 rupees five years ago was increased to 300 rupees when Prayar Gopalakrishnan was the president of the Devaswom Board.

Work of 'kazhagam' employees

Bringing flowers, garland etc. to the shrine
Cleaning of puja vessels and the shrine.
Cleaning after closing the temple

Lighting up lamps

Forced labour

Night watch duty
Writing the offerings register
Prasad making
Purchase of goods to the temple
Handling of temple boats