SABARIMALA: Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran on Thursday said projects worth `305 crore, including `99.98 crore Central Government funds, would be implemented before the 2018-’19 pilgrim season to provide improved basic facilities to pilgrims. After reviewing the preparations by various government departments, the Devaswom Minister said the projects would be implemented at Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilackal, Erumeli and 35-odd pilgrim transit camps across the state.
Kadakampally said the projects at Sannidhanam include new prasadam complex, reconstruction of exit road, water storage tanks and resting place.At Pampa, the projects include a new sewage treatment plant, pilgrim facilitation centre, bathing ghat renovation with shower bath facilities, the minister said.
At Nilackal, water storage tanks, pilgrim facilitation centre, modern parking facilities will be set up, he said.
Bathing ghats, new potable water scheme, resting place and toilet complexes would be among the new schemes to be undertaken at Erumeli pilgrim transit camp, he said.
10 pc reservation in devaswom jobs
The Devaswom Minister said the state government took a path-breaking decision to provide 10 per cent reservation for financially backward among the forward Hindu communities in devaswom jobs.
With the new move, the government has ensured a fair balance in devaswom employment to those who were denied the opportunity owing to economic backwardness, the minister said. The government also ensured that priests belonging to backward classes, including scheduled castes families, to perform poojas in devaswom temples, he said.
Sannidhanam Hospital dedicated to pilgrims
Sabarimala: The multi-storeyed government hospital, built at a cost of Rs 5.43 crore was opened here on Thursday. Health Minister K K Shylaja, who dedicated the hospital built with funds from the Centre’s National Health Mission (NHM) to the pilgrims, said the hospital will provide state-of-the-art medical facilities to the pilgrims including specialised medical assistance. Shylaja commended the authorities, including the National Health Mission, for constructing the building in a record seven months.
Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran presided over the function and Raju Abraham MLA weclomed the gathering. The newly-built Sannidhanam Hospital offers facilities , including a 35-bed inpatient ward, with ICU for eight patients and modern laboratory. A 25-member medical team comprising 10 doctors and two cardiologists, besides 15 paramedical personnel will provide state-of-the-art medical care to the pilgrims.