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TDB Caps Ayyappa Sangamam Spend at ₹4.99 Crore, Forms Task Force After Audit Findings

A High Court audit questioned contracting practices, prompting a clarified submission to the bench by February 26.

Overview

  • TDB president K. Jayakumar admitted the Board failed to fully answer auditor queries and said the earlier submission was not final.
  • A special task force led by senior officials will reconcile vendor bills, purchase orders, asset records, and sponsorship receipts before filing a revised report by February 26.
  • The Board fixed recognised expenditure at ₹4.99 crore, refused to tap Devaswom funds, and said a ₹3 crore advance has been credited back.
  • Sponsorships are expected to cover most costs with ₹1 crore assured from Adani, though about ₹1 crore remains to be bridged after some pledges fell through.
  • Key disputes include IIIC’s invoices of roughly ₹7 crore and audit flags over non-competitive contracting and a 10% administrative charge, while the Board contests specific food and performance bills it says were based on wrong documents.