Hindu-Only Staff Policy: Tirumala Trust Tells Non-Hindu Employees to Take VRS or Transfer.

To Keep Sanctity TTD Draws Line: Non-Hindu Staffers Face VRS or Transfer to Other Departments.

Lord Venkateswara Temple Management Board Announces Series of Decisions including Non-Hindu Employees to be Transferred, Political Rallies Banned, Superior Ghee Sourced for Laddus, and More….

R G Reddy | HENB | Tirumala | Nov 19, 2024:: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, under its new chairman B.R. Naidu, has made several key decisions at its inaugural meeting. These include:

– Establishing an expert panel to reduce darshan time at Tirumala’s Lord Venkateswara temple to 2-3 hours
– Prohibiting political statements within the temple premises
– Procuring high-quality ghee for laddoo preparation
– Transferring non-Hindu employees

These decisions aim to enhance the spiritual experience and management of Andhra Pradesh’s revered Sri Venkateswara temple, overseen by the TTD.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has embarked on a transformative journey, marking its first meeting since the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA assumed power in June. At the forefront of this change is TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao, who aims to tackle the pressing issue of waiting times for darshan of Lord Venkatewara, which can stretch up to 20 hours.

Streamlining Darshan Experience
To address this, the TTD will establish a panel of experts tasked with leveraging AI and cutting-edge technology to decongest and optimize devotee flow . This strategic move promises to enhance the overall pilgrim experience.

Aligning Temple Staff with TTD Values
In another significant decision, the TTD has resolved to approach the state government regarding non-Hindu employees working in Tirumala. The proposal seeks to reassign these staff members to other government institutions or offer voluntary retirement schemes (VRS), ensuring that all temple personnel align with the TTD’s core religious and spiritual principles of Hindu faith.

The TTD Board has made also these decisions:

1. Abolition of AP Tourism Corporation’s ‘Darshan’ quota for various states, following a thorough investigation into complaints of irregularities in special entry ticket issuance.

2. Prohibition on political statements or speeches in Tirumala, regardless of affiliation. “Legal action will be taken against individuals making such statements and those propagating them,” stated Executive Officer J Syamala Rao.

3. Transfer of TTD deposits from private banks to nationalized banks, addressing concerns raised by Board members.

4. Re-tendering for superior-quality ghee procurement to prepare prasad offerings, including laddus, following controversy over ingredient purity earlier this year.

5. 10% increase in cash rewards for employees providing exceptional services during the annual Brahmotsavam (October 4-13).

These decisions reflect the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and enhancing the spiritual experience at Tirumala.

VRS or Transfer

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), an independent government trust managing the world’s richest Hindu shrine, Tirumala Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, has made a significant decision. Chairman BR Naidu confirmed that non-Hindu employees will be reassigned, affecting approximately 300 of the board’s 7,000 permanent employees, in addition to 14,000 contract workers. This move aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Act, TTD Act, and a 1989 government order mandating Hindu-only employment.

Employee unions have expressed support, stating that this decision should be enforced in its entirety. Naidu, appointed chairman on October 31, has consistently advocated for Hindu management of the temple. The TTD Act has been amended three times to reinforce this stipulation.

The decision follows complaints from Hindu employees about colleagues from other faiths, received since the Chandrababu Naidu-led government took office in June. Additionally, allegations surrounding the use of ghee with animal fat in Tirupati laddu preparation have sparked controversy .

Key Legal Backing:

– Article 16(5) of the Constitution: Allows institutions of a religious or denominational nature to employ members of their own religion.
– Rule 3 of the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Subordinate Service Rules: Mandates that employees of religious institutions profess the Hindu faith.
– Andhra Pradesh High Court Ruling (November 2023): Upheld Rule 3, confirming trust boards’ authority to require employees to follow the Hindu religion.

Read also in Indian Express: Why is Mumtaz Hotel in Tirupati under scrutiny after TTD board meeting?

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__Inputs from Agencies.