Audit finds fault with Devaswom Board

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Local Fund Audit Department has found fault with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for not correcting the irregularities pointed out by it when the Board renewed its agreement with the Dhanalakshmi Bank for the sale of coupons and distribution of �prasadam of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple during the Malayalam year 1185.

In its report submitted to the High Court, the department pointed out that as per the agreement the bank had to remit the entire amount collected from the sale of �aravana and �appom coupons in a separate account opened for the purpose.

The bank had to credit Rs.54,09,42,550 in the boards account for the �aravana sold during the Mandalam and Makaravilakku seasons of 1185 ME. But as per the bank scroll produced to audit only Rs.53,80,54,250 was credited.

The short credit was Rs.28,88,300. Thus, instead of advance collection and credit to the board fund it was actually short credit of such an amount.