The decision was taken at its meeting held here during the week-end. The Dharmacharya, Umadutt Samwal, had reportedly absented himself from duty for more than two and a half months. He had also failed to submit documents supporting his eligibility for the post.

The committee made its displeasure known over the fact that the Dharmacharya had approached the press instead of responding to the explanation sought by it. An administrative inquiry has also been ordered in the matter.

President of the committee Vinod Nautiyal warned here that indiscipline, negligence or dereliction of duty by the staff would not be tolerated.

In order to ensure regular puja at Bardinath, the committee resolved to stay the paymentof the seven and half per cent share in special poojas to the Rawal till further orders. The Rawal would, however, continue to draw his monthly salary in addition to the free lodging and boarding, domestic help, pontifical robes and other prerogatives.

The committee also decided not to allow officials entrusted with the job of ritual performance in capacity or in daily upkeep of the temple from joining trade unions.