Tirumala: Even as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams gears up for reforms likely to be effected once the new administration takes charge, several changes in the prevailing VIP break darshan classification system, Rs 300 special entry darshan and Divya Darshan, look imminent.
The temple administration had introduced the Rs 300 special darshan system on October 21, 2009, after scrapping the Archana Ananthara Darshan and Cellar Darsan.
At that time it had announced that the new system would help prevent middlemen fleecing pilgrims and facilitate quick darshan.
However, middlemen have found innovative means to continue their thriving blackmarket, which has been exposed many times by the TTD’s internal vigilance wing.
The VIP break darshan system has led to many controversies after the TTD divided it into three categories under List 1, 2 and general. There were few rules and tickets were being issued on the discretion of officials.
Even VIPs have complained about the unnecessary categorisation.
Much hasn’t changed in terms of number of tickets issued under the VIP category.
While earlier devotees who were able to get VIP tickets could enter the temple easily, post classification, even devotees who get general and ‘List 2’ category VIP tickets are unhappy.
