TempleFunds – Uttarakhand Orders Action After Kedarnath VIP Expense Probe Finds Irregularities

TempleFunds –Religious trust financial transparency and public accountability matter – The Uttarakhand government has initiated disciplinary proceedings after an official inquiry found financial irregularities in the handling of expenses related to the stay and meals of VIP visitors at the Kedarnath shrine. The investigation concluded that established financial procedures were not fully followed in several cases, leading the government to direct action against the officials and employees held responsible.

Inquiry Triggered by RTI Documents

The investigation was launched by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) after information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act raised concerns over the alleged use of temple funds for providing hospitality to visiting dignitaries. Documents brought into the public domain questioned whether expenses for accommodation and food had been settled using money belonging to the temple committee rather than through personal payments by the guests.

BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi confirmed that the inquiry has been completed and the findings have already been submitted to the Uttarakhand government. Following the submission of the report, the state administration instructed the committee to proceed with action against those found accountable under the applicable rules.

Findings Point to Procedural Lapses

According to the inquiry report, some accommodation and catering bills linked to VIP visits were paid by the temple committee. Investigators also concluded that the required financial procedures were not properly observed while approving and processing these payments.

Government records indicate that the issue was not limited to the payment of bills alone. The inquiry also examined whether advances had been withdrawn from temple funds without obtaining the necessary approval from the competent authority. Officials concluded that such transactions could be treated as financial irregularities under the existing administrative framework.

Political Leaders Reject Allegations

The controversy gained attention after RTI documents reportedly reflected expenditure of nearly Rs 60,000 in the name of BJP state secretary Neha Joshi, while another amount exceeding Rs 37,000 was associated with Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal. The expenses were linked to accommodation and meals during visits to the Himalayan temple.

Both political leaders have firmly denied any wrongdoing. They stated that they personally paid for their stay and related expenses and rejected suggestions that temple funds had been used on their behalf.

Government Directs Disciplinary Measures

A communication issued by Deputy Secretary Anil Kumar Pandey on June 25, 2026, instructed the BKTC Chief Executive Officer to initiate action in accordance with the prescribed rules. The letter stated that releasing advance funds from the temple account without proper authorization could amount to a financial violation requiring administrative action.

The communication also called for scrutiny of the roles performed by the then Kedarnath administrator, the officer in charge at the shrine during the relevant period, and the then Chief Executive Officer of the temple committee.

Opposition Seeks Transparency

The issue has also drawn political attention, with the Opposition questioning the handling of donations and offerings made by devotees. Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal demanded a transparent investigation and urged the government to ensure strict action if any official is found guilty after due process.

Responding to the developments, Hemant Dwivedi said responsibility would be determined based on the findings of the inquiry. He added that the committee is committed to strengthening financial oversight so that temple resources are managed with greater transparency and that similar incidents do not occur in the future.