Wed Mar 12 07:47:37 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Devaswom Board Under Investigation for Caste Discrimination
**Thiruvananthapuram, March 12, 2025** – The Kerala government is investigating the administrator of the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board (KDB) for allegedly discriminating against a temple employee based on his caste. Congress legislator A.P. Anil Kumar raised concerns in the Assembly Wednesday, claiming the administrator, acting on objections from the temple’s tantric collective, illegally transferred B. Balu, an Ezhava (backward caste) employee, citing his caste.
Minister V.N. Vasavan confirmed the investigation, stating the administrator’s actions were unauthorized and that neither the KDB chairperson nor the board was aware of the transfer. While the temple has two non-ritual Kazhakam positions, one filled by the tantric collective and the other through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board (KDRB), the tantric collective had not filled their allotted post, employing temporary workers instead. Mr. Balu’s appointment was made through the KDRB.
Mr. Anil Kumar accused the KDB of violating Article 17 of the Indian Constitution (prohibition of untouchability) and demanded prosecution of the KDB and the tantric collective under the Untouchability (Offences) Act 1995. He highlighted the KDB’s alleged “ritual cleansing” of the temple after Mr. Balu’s transfer as further evidence of discrimination. He described the incident as a “blot on Kerala’s progressive tradition,” particularly given the state’s centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru’s meeting with Mahatma Gandhi.
First Piper 