TTD revises donor privileges, new norms to take effect from July 15
Tirumala, July 14 (TNT) : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman BR Naidu on Tuesday announced revised donor privileges for those contributing to various TTD trusts and schemes, saying the changes are aimed at ensuring greater transparency and uniformity in the management of donations.
The revised rules will come into effect from midnight of July 14, Naidu said while addressing the media after the TTD Trust Board meeting held at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala.
Accompanied by TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra, the Chairman briefed reporters on the key decisions taken by the Board.
Naidu clarified that the revised norms would apply only to future donations, while the privileges currently being enjoyed by donors who had already contributed to various trusts and schemes would continue unchanged.
Among the major decisions taken at the meeting, the TTD Board approved tenders worth Rs 6.31 crore for the construction of permanent shelters, queue lines and toilets near Alwar Tank for devotees holding SSD tokens.
The Board also sanctioned Rs 2.77 crore for the construction of a double-lane bridge to strengthen the Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara dams in Tirumala.
As part of green energy initiatives, the Board approved the installation of an 800 KW wind turbine generator near GNC, donated by Wish Wind Infrastructure, and a proposal for supplying power to TTD for 25 years.
The Board decided to levy an entry fee of Rs 50 (including GST) for visitors above 12 years of age at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Museum and resolved to seek the Tata Group’s involvement in managing the museum.
The TTD also approved Rs 5 crore for scientific treatment of over 25-year-old solid waste accumulated near Kakulamanthippa through bio-remediation and bio-mining methods.
For the safety of devotees, Rs 2.35 crore was sanctioned for comprehensive maintenance of fire-fighting systems in TTD temples and rest houses in Tirumala and Tirupati. The Board also decided to demolish 12 old structures at TBC and ATC rest houses in Tirumala and construct new buildings with donor support.
The Board approved printing of Srivari calendars and diaries for 2027, including 10 lakh diaries, 13.50 lakh 12-page calendars and 75,000 six-page calendars.
An amount of Rs 2.91 crore was sanctioned for additional infrastructure and FMS services at the Tirumala Octopus Base Camp.
The Board also approved utilisation of one kilogram of gold from the TTD treasury for designing golden armours for the deities of Sri Sita Lakshmana Sameta Sri Ramachandra Murthy at Vontimitta.
Further, tenders worth Rs 17.84 crore were approved for the construction of a 100-room rest house for pilgrims at Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple in Vontimitta.
The Board sanctioned Rs 2.11 crore to the district administration for expansion of the north-eastern Mada Veedhi of the Vontimitta temple and acquisition of 6,103 square feet of land for pilgrim facilities.
At Sri Tatayyagunta Gangamma temple in Tirupati, tenders worth Rs 2.50 crore were approved for construction of “Salaharam” on the Mukha Mandapam and completion of the remaining rampart wall.
The Board also decided to strengthen Veda Parayana programmes by appointing 791 prospective Veda scholars under the Veda Parayana scheme to ensure continuous recitation of Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvana Veda in religious institutions.
It approved enhancement of remuneration for artists working with Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad, Dasa Sahitya Project, Annamacharya Project and Sri Venkateswara College of Music and Dance based on their skills.
The Board further decided to send proposals to the government to upgrade 65 server posts in the TTD canteens section as catering supervisor posts.
TTD Board members, Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, JEO Dr A. Sarath, CVSO Muralikrishna and other officials participated in the meeting.
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