Key Update

The Kerala government has informed the High Court that it plans to establish a food testing laboratory at Pamba ahead of the forthcoming Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku season. The proposal follows an earlier court directive to set up a laboratory to check the quality of appam prasadam supplied at the temple.

Equipment and Infrastructure Requirements

The Special Government Pleader for the Devaswom Department told the court that the Revenue (Devaswom) Department secretary had convened a meeting on October 15 to discuss the proposal. During the meeting, Food Safety Department officials estimated that the laboratory equipment would cost between ₹2 crore and ₹3 crore. They also said the facility would require approximately 1,000 sq ft of air-conditioned space.

The Food Safety Department agreed to submit a detailed proposal urgently, specifying the equipment required, the estimated cost, and the commissioning schedule. It also agreed to procure the equipment through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and hire qualified technical personnel on a contractual or daily-wage basis to operate the laboratory and conduct tests.

TDB Agrees to Provide Space and Funds

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) agreed to provide approximately 1,000 sq ft of air-conditioned space and the necessary infrastructure. The board will also consider the requirements for future accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) while arranging the facilities. In addition, the TDB agreed to arrange funds for immediate procurement, subject to approval from the competent authority and compliance with the applicable financial procedures.

High Court Seeks Action-Taken Report

However, after reviewing the minutes of the October 15 meeting, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the steps taken so far to establish the laboratory. The court directed the TDB to submit an action-taken report by November 11 and adjourned the case until that date.

Source: The Times of India