Key Facts
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has suspended Pramod Nautiyal, a personal assistant in the chairman’s office, following allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings at Badrinath Dham. A show-cause notice was issued on July 3, and a four-member inquiry committee was constituted. The preliminary report found the allegations prima facie substantiated, leading to disciplinary action.
Details of the Suspension
Nautiyal has been attached to the BKTC office in Joshimath, Chamoli district. During the suspension period, he is not permitted to leave headquarters without prior approval and must cooperate fully with the inquiry. BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi stated that the employee had served under three former chairpersons and that the suspension was necessary to prevent tampering during the investigation.
Government Response
Following the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister directed the formation of a high-level committee to probe the donation complaints. The three-member committee is headed by Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Anand Swaroop, with members Sandeep Tiwari (MD, National Health Mission) and Jagat Singh Chauhan (Director Finance, Medical and Health Department). The committee will investigate irregularities in the collection of donations and offerings and submit its report within 15 days.
Background and Allegations
The allegations were raised by Dehradun-based outfit Bhairav Sena, which claimed that an employee at Shri Badrinath Dham was embezzling donation money and offerings. The BKTC has also sought responses from employees handling donation counting. The action comes amid similar allegations of donation embezzlement at the Ayodhya temple.
What Readers Should Know
- The suspended employee, Pramod Nautiyal, was posted in the chairman’s office of BKTC.
- A four-member inquiry committee initially investigated the matter.
- The state government has now formed a three-member high-level committee for a detailed probe.
- The committee has 15 days to submit its findings and recommendations.
FAQ
Who has been suspended in the Badrinath Dham donation case?
Pramod Nautiyal, a personal assistant in the chairman's office of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), has been suspended.
Why was the employee suspended?
Allegations of irregularities in handling donations and offerings at Badrinath Dham led to his suspension after a preliminary inquiry found the charges prima facie substantiated.
What action has the Uttarakhand government taken?
The state government has formed a three-member high-level committee headed by Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Anand Swaroop to conduct a detailed inquiry into the donation irregularities.
What is the timeline for the inquiry?
The committee has been directed to submit its report with recommendations within 15 days.