New Delhi: The Kerala government does not interfere in the functioning of Devaswom boards, the Supreme Court has been told in an affidavit. Income from temples goes to the boards' bank accounts and not a single paisa is transferred to the government treasury, it said.

The state government was responding to a plea in the SC by BJP leaders Subramanyan Swami and TG Mohandas who questioned the transparency of government procedure in selecting members of Cochin and Travancore devaswom boards. The duo moved the SC after the Kerala High Court found nothing wrong in the conduct of the boards. The SC will consider the case on January 31.

Budget share for boards

A total of Rs 80 lakh is set aside for the Travancore Devaswom Board every year as pilgrims' welfare is of importance to the government, says the affidavit.

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Other expenses:

* Sabarimala master plan – Rs 28 crore

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* Sabarimala cleaning drive (2018-19) – Rs 3 crore

* Police mess charges this year – Rs 5 crore

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* Medical team expenses last year – Rs 80 lakh

* Funds allotted for development in areas leading to Sabarimala – Rs 3 crore

* Funds for board to buy safety equipment last year – Rs 1.56 crore

Government’s responsibility

These temples were once controlled by kings. They were brought under the boards after devotees requested maintenance for continuation of daily rituals. Many prominent personalities including NSS founder Mannathu Padmanabhan have been board presidents or members, said the affidavit.

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