Dehradun. 05 Feb 2026. A major controversy has erupted within the Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) over the process of filling vacant posts through deputation and contractual appointments. The BKTC Employees’ Union has strongly opposed the move and has written to BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi as well as Vice Chairman Rishi Prasad Sati, raising serious objections.
Vice Chairman Directs Cancellation of Recruitment Notice
Following the protest by the Employees’ Union, BKTC Vice Chairman Rishi Prasad Sati has openly come out in support of the employees. Acting on the union’s memorandum, Sati has written directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BKTC, directing that the recruitment हैnotice issued for filling posts through deputation and contract be cancelled with immediate effect.
In his letter, Sati referred to the demands raised by the Employees’ Union and instructed the CEO to take appropriate action on the issues highlighted by the staff.
Allegations of Favouritism in Appointments
It is noteworthy that BKTC recently issued a notification inviting applications for several posts to be filled through deputation and contractual arrangements. According to sources within the committee, there are allegations that this process is being used to induct favoured individuals.
Employees claim that eligible and qualified candidates for these posts are already available within BKTC, but their promotions and Assured Career Progression (ACP) benefits have been deliberately kept pending so that they do not meet eligibility criteria for higher posts.
Discontent Over Chairman’s Working Style
Vice Chairman Sati’s open support for employees and his directive to cancel the recruitment process is also being viewed as part of internal factionalism within BKTC. Sources indicate growing dissatisfaction among employees regarding the working style of Chairman Hemant Dwivedi.
Employees have made it clear that they are not willing to remain silent on the issue of contractual and deputation-based appointments. With the Vice Chairman backing their stand, employee morale has reportedly increased.
BKTC Mired in Controversies Since Dwivedi’s Appointment
Since Hemant Dwivedi’s appointment as Chairman, BKTC has remained embroiled in controversies. Last year, priests at Kedarnath Dham staged a protest against his working style and demanded his immediate removal. The matter was resolved only after significant efforts at reconciliation.
In 2025, Dwivedi reportedly reached Kedarnath Dham by helicopter along with an industrialist without prior permission, triggering a major controversy. Following the incident, the state government temporarily banned the concerned helicopter service company.
Revenue Decline Raises Financial Questions
During Dwivedi’s tenure, pilgrim footfall at Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams reportedly increased by approximately 3.5 lakh compared to 2024. However, despite the rise in visitors, BKTC’s revenue reportedly declined by around ₹13.5 crore compared to the previous year.
This discrepancy has raised serious questions over the management of donations and overall financial administration of the temple committee:
A major controversy has erupted within the Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) over the process of filling vacant posts through deputation and contractual appointments. The BKTC Employees’ Union has strongly opposed the move and has written to BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi as well as Vice Chairman Rishi Prasad Sati, raising serious objections.
Vice Chairman Directs Cancellation of Recruitment Notice
Following the protest by the Employees’ Union, BKTC Vice Chairman Rishi Prasad Sati has openly come out in support of the employees. Acting on the union’s memorandum, Sati has written directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BKTC, directing that the recruitment notice issued for filling posts through deputation and contract be cancelled with immediate effect.
In his letter, Sati referred to the demands raised by the Employees’ Union and instructed the CEO to take appropriate action on the issues highlighted by the staff.
Allegations of Favouritism in Appointments
It is noteworthy that BKTC recently issued a notification inviting applications for several posts to be filled through deputation and contractual arrangements. According to sources within the committee, there are allegations that this process is being used to induct favoured individuals.
Employees claim that eligible and qualified candidates for these posts are already available within BKTC, but their promotions and Assured Career Progression (ACP) benefits have been deliberately kept pending so that they do not meet eligibility criteria for higher posts.
Discontent Over Chairman’s Working Style
Vice Chairman Sati’s open support for employees and his directive to cancel the recruitment process is also being viewed as part of internal factionalism within BKTC. Sources indicate growing dissatisfaction among employees regarding the working style of Chairman Hemant Dwivedi.
Employees have made it clear that they are not willing to remain silent on the issue of contractual and deputation-based appointments. With the Vice Chairman backing their stand, employee morale has reportedly increased.
BKTC Mired in Controversies Since Dwivedi’s Appointment
Since Hemant Dwivedi’s appointment as Chairman, BKTC has remained embroiled in controversies. Last year, priests at Kedarnath Dham staged a protest against his working style and demanded his immediate removal. The matter was resolved only after significant efforts at reconciliation.
In 2025, Dwivedi reportedly reached Kedarnath Dham by helicopter along with an industrialist without prior permission, triggering a major controversy. Following the incident, the state government temporarily banned the concerned helicopter service company.
Revenue Decline Raises Financial Questions
During Dwivedi’s tenure, pilgrim footfall at Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams reportedly increased by approximately 3.5 lakh compared to 2024. However, despite the rise in visitors, BKTC’s revenue reportedly declined by around ₹13.5 crore compared to the previous year.
This discrepancy has raised serious questions over the management of donations and overall financial administration of the temple committee