Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s government has come into action mode on the complaint of irregularities regarding donations and offerings etc. in Shri Badrinath Dham. A three-member high level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Commissioner Garhwal Anand Swarup for a thorough investigation of this matter. Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), taking important action towards maintaining discipline and administrative transparency, has registered an FIR, suspending Personal Assistant Pramod Nautiyal posted in the President’s office with immediate effect.
Shri Badrinath Temple In the high-level committee formed on the complaint of irregularities regarding donations, Chairman Commissioner Garhwal Division along with Managing Director, NHM Sandeep Tiwari and Director (Finance) of the Office of the Director General Medical and Health Department Jagat Singh Chauhan have been included as members.
Inquiry within 15 days
According to the order issued by Secretary Tourism Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, the committee will conduct a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities related to donations and offerings received in the temple and will submit its investigation report and recommendations to the government within 15 days.
If necessary during the investigation, the committee will be able to obtain cooperation and advice from any officer, expert or other concerned person. The committee will also inform the government about necessary corrective measures and suggestions to make the donation management system more transparent, accountable and effective.
On the other hand, Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has taken suspension action against Pramod Nautiyal, personal assistant posted in the President’s office. A show cause notice was issued to Nautiyal on July 03, 2026 after prima facie allegations of serious irregularities in the discharge of official responsibilities emerged. Also, a four-member investigation committee was formed for a fair and detailed investigation of the case.
After examining the clarifications received and the preliminary report of the investigation committee, the allegations were prima facie found to be confirmed. The inquiry committee had recommended disciplinary action against the concerned employee in its report. The committee also acknowledged that the possibility of the investigation being affected by retaining the employee in his current post cannot be ruled out.
Ensure impartiality and transparency of investigation
Keeping these facts in view, with the aim of ensuring fairness and transparency of the investigation, Pramod Nautiyal has been suspended with immediate effect. An FIR has also been lodged.
During the suspension period, they will be paid subsistence allowance as per rules. Also, he has been attached to BKTC office, Joshimath (district Chamoli). During this period, they will not be allowed to leave the headquarters without prior permission of the competent authority and it will be mandatory for them to provide required cooperation in investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
BKTC has clarified that transparency, accountability and discipline are top priorities in committee administration and strict action will be taken as per rules in case of any kind of irregularity.
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