THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ahead of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season for the 2026–27 financial year, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has sanctioned a special grant of ₹3.36 crore (₹3,36,00,000) to local self-government institutions across six key districts to manage pilgrimage-related expenses. The Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) issued the official government order (G.O.(Rt) No. 2159/2026/LSGD) in this regard.
The special financial assistance aims to strengthen basic infrastructure, waste management, and sanitation facilities along major transit routes and base camps catering to Sabarimala pilgrims.
Key Highlights of the Allocation:
- Grama Panchayats: A sum of ₹2.31 crore (₹2,31,00,000) has been sanctioned for 38 Grama Panchayats spread across Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts.
- Municipalities: An amount of ₹1.05 crore (₹1,05,00,000) has been allocated for 9 Municipalities within these six districts.
Strict Guidelines and Audit Compliance:
The funds have been released from the current financial year’s budget allocation based on a proposal submitted by the LSGD Principal Director. The government has directed the Principal Director to expedite the distribution of funds after assessing the specific requirements of each local body, their previous fund utilization track records, and available unspent balances.
Secretaries of the respective Grama Panchayats and Municipalities have been instructed to ensure that the grant is strictly utilized only for Sabarimala pilgrimage-related infrastructure, sanitation, and allied activities. The local bodies must submit a Utilization Certificate (UC) to the Head of the Department upon expenditure. Furthermore, the order mandates that the expenditure of these funds will be subjected to special scrutiny by both the Performance Audit Wing and the State Audit Department.
