TTD to roll out VRS for non-Hindu staffers, invite tenders for food supply

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), in a governing council meeting held on Tuesday (May 20), presided over by TTD Chairman BR Naidu, has decided to offer voluntary retirement to 29 non-Hindu employees.

Following the meeting, TTD Executive Officer (EO) Shyamala Rao told reporters that the board had decided there should not be any non-Hindu employees working in any of the institutions administered by it.

Rao said the 29 non-Hindu employees offered VRS schemes would get an additional amount of Rs 5 lakh if they accept the offer. “In case they decline it, the board will revisit the issue in the next meeting. The final decision in this regard will be based on the directives from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu," he added.

Further, Rao said the board had also approved the decision to initiate steps to transfer non-Hindu employees to other government departments.

The board’s decision comes in the backdrop of TTD’s move to initiate disciplinary action against 18 non-Hindu employees in February for allegedly continuing to take part in non-Hindu religious activities. The concerned employees were barred from attending any religious and spiritual events organised by TTD.

Also Read: TTD, others object to Santhanam’s film over remix of devotional song

One-hour darshan discussed

Google and TCS are currently collaborating on AI technologies required to reduce the waiting time for a darshan of Lord Venkateswara to just one hour, Rao said. This initiative was earlier proposed by TTD Chairman BR Naidu.

The TTD also decided to utilise anti-drone technology to boost security arrangements in temple premises.

Also Read: TTD launches WhatsApp-based feedback system for devotees

As for the Big and Janatha canteens, TTD has decided to invite reputed companies offering quality, affordable food to participate in tenders.

The forest cover on the Tirumala hills will be increased from 68.14 per cent to 80 per cent per the instructions of the Chief Minister. The Forest Department will execute this plan in phases, with allotted funds of ₹1.74 crore for 2025–26, and ₹1.13 crore each for 2026–27 and 2027–28.

Temple development

Architects will be invited to submit technical and financial proposals to create a master plan for the development of the Tiruchanur Padmavati Ammavari temple, Amaravati Venkateswara Swamy temple, Narayanavanam Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple, Kapilatheertham Kapileswara Swamy temple, Nagalapuram Vedanarayana Swamy temple and the Ontimitta Kodandarama Swamy temple.

Also Read: Protests erupt in Tirupati over 'cow deaths' at TTD gaushala; YSRCP leader booked

TTD officials said two donors have not yet responded to the proposal to change the names of two guest houses. The board had decided to proceed with renaming them on its own and will consult the Army regarding renaming "Sainik Niwas".

Support for the SVIMS hospital

An additional ₹71 crore has been approved for the SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital in Rayalaseema, on top of the existing ₹60 crore annual grant. The board also decided to fill 597 posts based on an expert committee’s recommendation and to involve volunteers through the Srivari Vaidya Seva initiative.

Also Read: Pawan Kalyan's wife Anna prays at Tirumala, donates Rs 17 lakh to temple

Decisions to monitor and act against violators in relation to encroachments, resolving complications arising from the implementation of reservation rules in promotions, sending legal notices over the misuse of “Govinda” in the Tamil movie song “DD Next Level” and safeguarding the health of cows in TTD’s goshalas were also taken at the meeting.

Amaravati temple plan

The TTD has approved the development of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Anantavaram in Tullur Mandal, located in the Amaravati capital region. A fund of ₹10 crore has been sanctioned for this project.

This story was originally published in The Federal Andhra Pradesh