In view of a continuing free fall of income accelerated by the pandemic, the Travancore Devaswom Board is exploring ways to diversify its finances to tide over the crisis. “The financial profile of the TDB has diminished to the point of virtual invisibility so that it cannot sustain without the state's support anymore. During the previous fiscal, the TDB received a financial assistance of ₹90 crore from the state government in two instalments. In view of the continuing distress, it has once again approached the state government for an emergency short-term assistance. Meanwhile, official sources said the TDB was also looking to take over the virtual queue from the Kerala police from the upcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku season onward.

Source: The Hindu June 27, 2021 09:33 UTC