TTD Asks Karnataka To Explain Proposed Handover Of Its Choultries In Tirumala To KSTDC
TTD has sought details from Karnataka on its reported plan to transfer management of state-run choultries in Tirumala to KSTDC, citing concerns over leased land and facilities meant for pilgrims.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has sought details of Karnataka’s reported plan to transfer the management of its choultries in Tirumala from the state’s religious endowments department to the Karnataka state tourism development corporation.
TTD cited the need to examine the implications of this decision for the land leased to Karnataka.
In a letter dated October 11, TTD executive officer Muddada Ravi Chandra wrote to the additional chief secretary, revenue-endowments, Karnataka, seeking confirmation of the reports about an agreement between the state’s Muzrai department and KSTDC.
He sought a copy of the reported MoU, its effective date, the present implementation status and copies of the relevant government orders and proceedings.
The EO also sought other information that could affect the administration of the choultries and matters concerning the TTD. He said the documents were needed to establish the factual position, assess the scope and implications of the arrangement and determine further action.
The issue concerns 6.47 acres in Tirumala held by Karnataka state charities. According to TTD proceedings issued in April 2024, the land was leased to Karnataka for 30 years, from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2050. The annual lease rent was fixed at `8.64 lakh from April 2023, with a provision for a 33.33 per cent increase every three years.
Under the proposed arrangement, KSTDC would take over the operation and maintenance of the accommodation blocks and restaurants on the premises. A Karnataka government cabinet note proposed that the net income, after expenses, be shared equally between KSTDC and the state’s religious endowments department.
The proposal has drawn objections from TTD board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy, who has urged Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar to withdraw the proposal and cancel the MoU.
He argued that the land was leased to provide accommodation for pilgrims from Karnataka and alleged that handing over the facilities to a tourism corporation would violate the lease conditions. He also objected to the proposed 50:50 sharing of net income between KSTDC and the state’s endowments department, arguing that it would mean a commercialization of the facilities intended for pilgrims.
