Backward caste priest quits job in Kerala, claims caste discrimination

A backward caste Kazhakam (priest) of the famous Kudalmanikyam temple of Kerala resigned from his post. There are allegations that this priest was discriminated against on the grounds of caste, and he resigned from the post. The priest, Balu, was an employee of the Devaswom Recruitment Board, responsible for taking care of temples in the state, and the board appointed Balu to the temple as a priest. Balu submitted his resignation to the board officials on Tuesday evening.

Kazhakam is priests of Kerala who create garlands of God and do other religious traditional activities. The person who had submitted his resignation, Balu, belongs to the backward caste Ezhava. This incident again brought to the forefront the issue of caste discrimination in temples of Kerala.

On this matter, Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan said that Balu was appointed as per the rules. He said that 'the government wants Balu to return to his job. We told Balu that the government is ready to help him in every possible way, but despite this, he resigned.'

VN Vasavan said that Balu has demanded that if he is relieved of the responsibilities of the priest and given clerk-related work, then he can consider his resignation. The Devaswom Board clarified that Balu has resigned due to personal reasons and the board has no role in this. It is being claimed that other priests of the temple had refused to work with Balu. After this, Balu was removed from the responsibilities of the priest. Later he was again given responsibilities related to worship. Recently, Balu had sought leave on health grounds and then resigned. Minister Vasavan said that whenever Balu wants to return to his job, the government will definitely give him the opportunity.