The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is out to make the best use of mobile phones to put an end to one of its perennial headaches: Theft by its own employees during cash counting.
To ensure an error-free cash counting system in all major temples under its fold, the Board will monitor cash counting through live web streaming available on smart phones and computers.
“The new system, launched on an experimental basis at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple, is running successfully,’’ Devaswom Commissioner P Venugopal said.
Cash counting in the temple was brought under camera surveillance a few years ago and the current practice is to keep digital video recordings.
Venugopal said the new system will be on actual use from the next pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.
“The plan is to expand the system to major revenue generating temples. The C-DAC has been asked to submit a proposal in this regard,’’ Venugopal said.
“’Now, live streaming from the counting room at Sannidhanam is available at the TDB headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, besides on the smart phones and computers of designated Vigilance officials,’’ sources said.
“It is run 24 hours a day, throughout the year. The system will help to ensure foolproof prevention of malpractice,’’ they said.
The streaming using latest technology helps the officials to get images from the 16 cameras installed in the counting room at Sabarimala temple.
“The officials can watch images from 16 cams as in a console, or select a particular camera for zoomed-in images. Playback facility is also available,’’ the officials said.