Ahead of the annual Mandala‑Makaravilakku season, the Travancore Devaswom Employees Front has voiced alarm that the tendering process and preparatory work are moving too slowly. The group urges the Devaswom Department to act swiftly to prevent further embarrassment among devotees and the public.
The front has filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and the Devaswom Minister, noting that revenue collected during the pilgrimage underpins daily expenses, salaries and pensions for temple staff. A decline in income could jeopardise temple rituals and future financial stability.
The employees also raised concerns about food quality at the on‑site mess, arguing that it has been substandard for years. They call for a proper menu, display of dishes, and operation standards similar to police messes, and insist that sponsors be verified before approval.
The organisation highlighted that many contractors in the e‑tender/e‑auction for shops and licences lack computer skills, and recommends training and awareness programmes for bidders. It also urges installation of modern scanning equipment at the Bhandaram entrance, and a shift system for Class IV employees to replace the current 66‑day duty.
Finally, the front complains that employee transfers have stalled despite a general transfer order issued four months ago, and that some officers resist implementing the orders. It also alleges that for the past decade, Left‑union members have been disproportionately assigned to Aravana buffer stock duty and demands equal opportunity for all employees this year.
