Temple Trade Unionism in Travancore

Abstract

Politicization has grappled the administration of Hindu temples in the state of Kerala since the formation of Devaswom Boards which are envisaged as autonomous bodies entrusted with the administration of temples here. Trade unions and their activities are rampant today in the temples of Kerala. Trade unionism is nothing other than the direct result of the politicization of temple administration. Though trade unionism is significant for protecting the rights of employees, often its politicization affects the serenity of temples and the unity and general discipline of employees as it involves direct action methods for achieving goals. Various Commission Reports and Court verdicts often pointed out that politically affiliated trade unionism is detrimental to the temples. The administration of Devaswom boards has been deteriorated to the level of a business establishment due to the presence of strong and highly politicized trade unions. The study tries to examine the historical and contemporary role of trade union movements existing among the temple employees of public temples in Kerala.