TTD Suspends Four Staff For Violating Religious Conduct Rules
Action taken for engaging in non-Hindu practices while serving in Hindu religious institution: Reports
TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four of its employees for allegedly violating the institution’s conduct rules by engaging in non-Hindu religious practices while serving in roles associated with a Hindu religious body.
The suspended personnel include deputy executive engineer (quality control) B. Elizar, staff nurse at BIRRD Hospital S. Rosi, grade-1 pharmacist at BIRRD Hospital M. Premavati, and Dr G. Asunta, who is employed at the SV Ayurveda Pharmacy.
According to TTD officials, the disciplinary action followed a report from the vigilance wing confirming the individuals’ involvement in non-Hindu religious activities, which contravenes the service conduct rules applicable to TTD employees.
Earlier, on July 8, assistant executive officer A. Rajasekhar Babu was suspended over similar allegations. He was reportedly participating in Sunday prayers at a church in his native village of Puttur, Tirupati district. A departmental enquiry and vigilance report led to his suspension.
A senior official from the TTD stated that the vigilance department continues to monitor staff conduct closely. “Employees of the TTD are representatives of a Hindu religious institution and are expected to uphold its traditions and values. The vigilance wing is actively tracking such matters, and anyone found violating the institutional code will face disciplinary action,” the official said.
The action has been taken under Rule 9(vi) of G.O. Ms. No. 1060, issued under the Endowments Act, which mandates that employees in religious institutions adhere to the faith they represent, especially when serving in roles linked to temple-related or spiritual responsibilities.
In February, the TTD initiated disciplinary action against 18 employees for engaging in non-Hindu religious practices. They were removed from temple-related duties, reassigned to non-religious departments, and barred from participating in any religious events organised by the institution.
TTD has reiterated that while personal beliefs are a matter of individual choice, employees serving in roles symbolising the institution’s spiritual character must act in alignment with its religious principles.