Thiruvananthapuram: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar on Tuesday stated that complaints regarding recent employee transfers would be addressed and existing transfer orders reviewed.
Speaking to reporters after a board meeting, Jayakumar said TDB is committed to considering legitimate demands of employees, and most complaints have already been resolved. Around 20 transfer postings are likely to be revised based on grievances raised. He also noted that some temple postings did not attract applications.
The main complaints involved junior employees being given preference over senior staff in transfers, ignoring seniority. This was unfair and led to dissatisfaction, he said.
Jayakumar added that discrepancies were rectified after extensive discussions while adhering to norms. “A considerable amount of time had to be spent on a single transfer process,” he remarked.
Regarding Shyam Prakash, at the centre of recent controversies, Jayakumar said TDB was not aware of allegations beyond those in the public domain. Any fresh complaints would be examined. “He is not currently an employee. How can a person be removed merely because the police questioned him?” he asked. Disciplinary action could be considered only if a vigilance case existed or clearance was unavailable.
Referring to reports that Prakash was questioned by the special investigation team (SIT), Jayakumar said he was unaware. TDB treats all employees equally, irrespective of political affiliations, and addressing grievances is its responsibility.
“The board is not claiming every issue has been fully resolved,” he said, adding that efforts would continue to address genuine concerns.
Meanwhile, Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on Tuesday claimed that CPM merely suspended former TDB president A Padmakumar, accused in the Sabarimala gold heist case, because it feared he might make revelations harmful to the party. “He was merely suspended, not removed, as they are afraid of truths he might reveal,” the minister said. Padmakumar was suspended from CPM following the SIT probe.
