Kerala Gov’t Accuses Temple Board of Discrimination Against Backward-Class Worker

Speedy Summary

• Kerala’s Devaswom Minister V.N.Vasavan stated that the government is investigating the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board (KDB) administrator for alleged caste-based discrimination against a temple employee from the Ezhava community.
• The investigation follows objections by the temple’s tantric collective over B. Balu’s presence due to his caste, leading to his transfer.
• The KDB and its chairperson were not involved in this decision,according to Mr. Vasavan.
• The Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board (KDRB) had duly appointed Mr. Balu as a Kazhakam employee while the tantric collective did not fill their allotted post permanently.
• Congress legislator A.P.Anil Kumar criticized the actions as violating Article 17 of the Indian Constitution and demanded legal action against those responsible for practicing untouchability.
• Anil Kumar highlighted additional grievances including a “ritual cleansing” being conducted after Mr. Balu’s transfer, marking it as a regression from Kerala’s progressive history.

Indian opinion Analysis

The incident at koodalmanikyam temple illuminates ongoing challenges in eradicating caste-based discrimination in India, despite constitutional safeguards like Article 17 which prohibits untouchability. This matter could led to broader discussions on accountability within religious institutions and reinforce calls for implementing stronger anti-discrimination practices across all sectors in society.

Read More: The Hindu

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