Dehradun: An inquiry committee constituted to investigate the use of the temple committee’s funds for providing accommodation and meals to VIP guests at Kedarnath Dham has confirmed financial irregularities. Following the submission of the report, the Uttarakhand government has directed action against the officials and employees found responsible.
Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), said the inquiry report had been submitted to the government. According to the findings, payments for accommodation and meals of certain VIP guests were made from the temple committee’s funds, and prescribed financial procedures were not fully followed.
The issue came to light after documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act alleged that the temple committee had borne the expenses of accommodation and meals for certain VIPs. The names of BJP State Secretary Neha Joshi and Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal also appeared in the documents. However, both denied the allegations, stating that they had paid their personal expenses themselves.
The BKTC had constituted a four-member committee to investigate the matter. After examining financial records, bills, and payment procedures, the committee submitted its report. Based on its findings, the Tourism and Religious Affairs Department has initiated the process for appropriate action.
A government letter dated 25 June 2026, issued by Deputy Secretary Anil Kumar Pandey to the BKTC Chief Executive Officer, stated that the release of advance funds from the temple treasury without competent approval constituted a prima facie financial irregularity. The letter also called for examining the roles of the then Kedarnath Manager, the then Chief Supervisory Officer, and the then Chief Executive Officer, and directed action under the provisions of the BKTC Act, 1939.
Following the report’s release, demands for greater transparency and accountability in the use of temple funds have intensified. Opposition parties have also sought strict action against those responsible. BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the inquiry findings and that complete transparency in the use of temple funds would be ensured in the future.
