Badrinath – Temple Committee Orders Inquiry Into Donation Handling Claims
Badrinath – The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has ordered an internal inquiry after allegations concerning the handling of donations and offerings at the Badrinath-Kedarnath shrine network circulated on social media. Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said the matter was acted upon within 24 hours and that disciplinary measures would follow if any employee or official is found responsible for wrongdoing.
Notices Issued to Staff Involved in Counting
In a video statement, Dwivedi said the committee had treated the allegations as a serious concern because of the public faith associated with the temples. He said the Chief Executive Officer had issued show-cause notices to employees and officials connected with the counting of donations and offerings.
According to Dwivedi, the notices seek explanations from those involved in the process. The committee is examining whether existing procedures for receiving, counting, recording and depositing offerings were followed correctly.
He said the administration would not overlook any lapse in the management of temple funds. Donations and offerings received at the shrines are regarded as a matter of public trust, and the committee has said that accountability will be central to the review.
Inquiry Panel to Submit Public Report
Dwivedi said an inquiry panel had been formed with immediate effect to examine the allegations and related records. The panel will submit its findings after completing its review, and the report will be made public, he said.
The chairman stated that action would be taken against any person found guilty after the inquiry. He added that the committee was conscious of the importance of maintaining confidence among devotees, many of whom contribute offerings during their visits to the Himalayan temples.
The allegations have drawn attention online, prompting the committee to clarify that the investigation is intended to establish the facts and strengthen safeguards where necessary.
Chairman Rejects Personal Secretary Claim
Dwivedi also responded to social media claims that referred to the involvement of his alleged personal secretary. He said he does not have a personal secretary and described the individual mentioned in the posts as a regular employee of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee.
He said all personnel connected with the issue are committee employees and that no separate personal office arrangement exists in the manner suggested in the claims. The clarification was issued as part of the committee’s response to information being shared online.
New Directions Cover All Revenue Points
Earlier this week, the BKTC issued instructions covering the collection, custody and accounting of donations, offerings and other revenue at temples under its control. The directions were issued by Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangar on July 2, 2026.
The order applies to employees and officials working at donation and offering counting centres, accounts branches, treasury sections, guest houses and puja counters. It covers Badrinath, Kedarnath and other temples managed by the committee.
The directive calls for greater vigilance at every stage of the revenue-handling process. Officials have been asked to ensure that collections are properly recorded, stored securely and accounted for according to established procedures.
Focus on Transparency and Future Safeguards
The committee said the purpose of the new directions is to improve transparency and prevent future complaints or financial irregularities. The measures are expected to reinforce oversight over cash collections and related records across temple facilities.
No conclusion has yet been announced regarding the allegations. The inquiry committee is expected to review the available material and submit its report once the examination is complete. Until then, the BKTC has said it will continue to follow the administrative process and disclose the findings publicly.