TIRUPATI: The Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC) run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is in the grip of allegations. The situation has become more severe with the TTD vigilance body's start of raids on its office for the last two days. Some employees from the SVBC had passed a report that recruitments have been effected unofficially in the channel with almost 80 members being appointed by its administration though most of them have not received any formal appointments.
An employee from SVBC, on condition of anonymity, said, "Political recommendations have played a role in the recruitments. Some people belonging to Naravaripalle has been appointed. MPs and MLAs had recommended the names of some candidates. The report comes at a time when existing staff is often seen to be not having enough work to do." The SVBC channel has more than 250 employees including technical and non-technical staff. More than 50 of them are permanent employees while the others are working on a contract basis. The alleged recruitments of more staff at the channel would be of no use for the channel.
An official from the vigilance department, on condition of anonymity, said, "We raided the channel office in the wake of allegations that had popped up. Among the main allegation about the happenings at the office, an important one is that the employees, especially the females, are being harassed by the managements. The CVSO has instructed women officials to gather details about the charges of harassments of employees. Apart from that, some of the staff had foreign trips without proper permissions from the administration."
He added, "SVBC has proceedings to appoint anyone for a limited period based on the needs of the channel. But, it is also noticed that some renewals were done in that category of employees, without TTD acceptance." The vigilance is still investigating the issues. But, the officials are not revealing the details. Speaking to DC, CVSO Ake Ravi Krishna said, “It is too early to respond on the allegations. We are still investigating the facts.”
