TTD action against employees for religious code violations

This follows a directive from TTD board chairman BR Naidu, reinforcing the institution's commitment to preserving its religious traditions.

TTD executive officer Syamala Rao issued an order on February 1, barring these employees from participating in any temple-related functions. The action was taken based on information that these staff members, despite having pledged allegiance to Hindu customs, were involved in “practices outside the faith.”

Chairman Naidu had earlier stressed that non-Hindu employees should not be part of the institution and hinted at the possibility of transferring them to other government departments or facilitating their voluntary retirement. The trust board’s first meeting in November 2024 resolved to uphold the sanctity of the institution through such steps.

Under the Endowments Act, all TTD employees are expected to adhere to Hindu traditions in the service of Lord Venkateswara. However, investigations revealed that these 18 employees “violated their oath by continuing non-Hindu religious practices despite multiple warnings.”

“Their actions contravened Rule 9(vi) under GO Ms 1060 Revenue (Endowments-I), dated October 24, 1989,” the order stated.

Such employees found working within temple premises, affiliated religious institutions, or departments handling temple-related activities are to be immediately transferred. They will not be assigned any duties linked to temple festivals, processions, or other programmes organised by the TTD, the order explained.

Among the 18 employees, six are stationed in TTD-run educational institutions as principals, professors, lecturers and as a hostel worker, while four work in TTD-managed medical facilities. The rest are employed across various other departments.

The order mandates immediate action by the chief engineer and deputy executive officer (HR) to relocate the affected employees from sensitive locations.