Thiruvananthapuram, February 7 TDB president K Jayakumar said on Saturday that the digitalisation of all accounts of the various temples under the Board, as recommended by the Kerala High Court, has been taken up as a priority.
The entire exercise is expected to be completed within a year, he added.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president also said that a "righteous decision" would be taken regarding tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru when it is his time to take over as chief priest of the Sabarimala temple.
"The term of the current tantri, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu, will end in October 2026, and that is when Rajeevaru's turn will come. An appropriate and righteous decision will be made at that time," Jayakumar told reporters here.
Rajeevaru has been arrested and is currently in jail in connection with the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala shrine.
He further said that any irregularities or corrupt activities at places of worship have to be addressed and dealt with strictly, as temples are places where everything has to be done in a righteous manner.
Regarding the digitalisation of the various accounts of the TDB and the temples under it, Jayakumar said it was required in view of the changing times and agreed with the High Court's recommendations on the issue.
He said that the Board has formulated a 'digitalisation pathway' or guidelines and has informed the court about the same.
He further said that Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure (KITFRA) has been appointed to assist the Board on this issue.
"We will codify our requirements and publish them. Let a vendor come. Thereafter, we will have a comprehensive digital solution in all aspects of the administration of temples."
"This will be done as soon as possible. Even if we are not able to complete it all at once, the sections dealing with public interactions and financial transactions will be completed first," the TDB president said.
He also said that the plan was to "go the digital way" – not just at the temples, but also at the Board – within one year.
"This has been taken up as a priority," he added.