Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government has ordered a departmental investigation into alleged irregularities in Milma, including the supply of ghee to the Sabarimala temple, amid growing concerns over procurement practices and financial management within the state-owned dairy cooperative.
Announcing the decision, Dairy Development Minister Bindu Krishna said that while a vigilance investigation is already underway, a broader departmental inquiry is necessary to determine the full extent of the alleged irregularities and identify those responsible.
A three-member committee has been constituted to examine multiple allegations involving Milma, including the procurement of milk from Maharashtra, the hiring of tanker trucks for transporting milk from Andhra Pradesh, and the procurement and supply of ghee to the Sabarimala shrine.
“The government will take stringent action if any official is found guilty after the inquiry,” the minister said.
Sabarimala Ghee Supply Under Investigation
Separately, Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has directed the Devaswom Secretary to conduct an inquiry into allegations concerning the procurement and supply of Milma ghee to the Sabarimala temple.
Earlier, the minister had sought a detailed report from the Devaswom Commissioner regarding the matter.
Muraleedharan alleged that both suppliers and procurement officials, including certain personnel associated with the Travancore Devaswom Board, may have been involved in the alleged malpractice.
He stated that there was prima facie evidence suggesting lapses on the part of some board officials and indicated that appropriate action would be initiated after the commissioner’s report is received.
Allegations of Ghee Diversion
According to preliminary findings submitted by the Dairy Development Director, investigators found substance in allegations that premium-grade ghee earmarked for Sabarimala may have been diverted.
The inquiry has also raised suspicions that batch numbers on certain ghee consignments were allegedly manipulated, potentially to evade scrutiny by food safety authorities.
These allegations are now expected to form a key part of the ongoing investigations.
Wider Financial Irregularities
The controversy follows the dissolution of the governing committee of Milma’s Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union after allegations of large-scale financial irregularities surfaced.
Officials said the departmental committee will examine procurement procedures, transportation contracts, financial transactions, and compliance with quality assurance protocols to determine whether any violations occurred.
Vigilance and Departmental Inquiries to Run Parallel
The government clarified that the departmental probe will complement the ongoing vigilance investigation rather than replace it.
The parallel inquiries are expected to assess administrative accountability, procurement transparency, and adherence to operational procedures within Milma.
Read More: Mumbai’s Iconic Parsi Dairy Farm Reopens After Food Safety Compliance Following FDA Action
Officials indicated that disciplinary and legal action would be initiated if evidence establishes misconduct or financial impropriety.
Cooperative Sector Under Scrutiny
The latest developments place one of Kerala’s largest dairy cooperatives under increased regulatory scrutiny at a time when transparency, quality assurance, and governance standards are receiving greater attention across India’s dairy sector.
The findings of both the vigilance investigation and the departmental inquiry are expected to determine whether the alleged irregularities resulted from procedural lapses or deliberate misconduct, and whether systemic reforms are required to strengthen oversight within the cooperative.
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