ACB Inquiry Ordered into TTD Purchases; Board Announces Sensational Decisions
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board of Trustees has taken a significant decision to hand over an alleged corruption case in its purchases department to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for a detailed investigation. The board stated that serious irregularities had come to its notice in recent purchases. This decision was taken unanimously during a board meeting held on Tuesday at the Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala, which lasted nearly seven hours. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu announced the key resolutions to the media following the meeting.
Explaining the details of the meeting along with Executive Officer (EO) Anil Kumar Singhal and Additional EO Venkayya Chowdary, B.R. Naidu said, “Allegations have surfaced against some staff members in the procurement section. Items that cost between ₹350 and ₹400 in the market were purchased for ₹1,334. Over the past four to five years, materials worth nearly ₹50 crore have been procured. Our internal inquiry revealed large-scale corruption in the process. Henceforth, the ACB will handle the investigation.”
Key Decision on Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan:
The board decided to continue the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan for ten days as usual, a period eagerly awaited by devotees. However, to prevent incidents like the stampedes that occurred in previous years, strict precautionary measures will be implemented. A committee of experts has been formed to study how to allocate tickets transparently and efficiently using available technology to ensure devotees face no inconvenience. The committee is expected to finalize its recommendations within a week to ten days.
Other Major Decisions of the Board:
In response to concerns over the management of TTD goshalas, a committee of experts has been appointed to examine whether TTD should continue direct management or entrust it to voluntary organizations. A final decision will be made based on the committee’s report.
Following the Chief Minister’s directions, approval was given for the construction of 5,000 temples and bhajan halls in Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) colonies.
The board resolved to ensure uninterrupted distribution of free meals (annaprasadam) at all TTD-administered temples across the country.
₹37 crore was sanctioned for the construction of a 100-room complex and ₹2.96 crore for the “Pavitra Vanam” project at Ontimitta in Kadapa district.
Approval to grant Rs. 25 crores for the construction of a pilgrim accommodation complex and special halls for mass marriages at the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple in Kanipakam. It was decided to send a request for government approval in this regard.
A committee has been formed to review discrepancies in room rents at Tirumala. Rent adjustments will be made after the report is submitted.
₹20 crore was sanctioned for the construction of the Sri Vari Temple in Karimnagar and ₹10 crore for additional facilities, of which ₹10 crore will be raised through donations.
In Chennai’s T. Nagar, 6,227 square feet of land will be purchased within the limits of temple for ₹14 crore, with assistance from donors, to improve facilities for devotees.
The board also decided to remove Sadasivamurthy from his position as Vice-Chancellor of the Vedic University.