TTD Planning Replacing First-Come-First-Served SRIVANI Tickets With Lucky Dip
Vigilance officials suspect that nearly 200–250 tickets are being sold using such methods.
Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is considering replacing the existing first-come, first-served pattern of SRIVANI darshan ticket bookings with a lucky dip-based allotment system. This marks a major shift in the issuance of one of its most sought-after darshan tickets.
Confirming the change, TTD executive officer (EO) Muddada Ravichandra told Deccan Chronicle that the proposed move is aimed at streamlining bookings and ensuring fair access to devotees. “The temple body is considering the lucky dip system to address irregularities in booking and improve access for genuine devotees", the EO said.
The modalities of the lucky dip are being worked out.
The move comes days after the TTD Vigilance wing detected alleged software-assisted bulk bookings of SRIVANI tickets. Though TTD ruled out reports of hacking of its portal, a Vigilance inquiry found that private agents and travel operators are using auto-fill applications and software tools to secure SRIVANI tickets in large numbers and resell them at inflated prices.
Vigilance officials suspect that nearly 200–250 tickets are being sold using such methods.
Sri Venkateswara Aalaya Nirmanam (SRIVANI) Trust, constituted in August 2018, introduced the Rs 10,000 donation tickets, which enabled a devotee to take break darshan on payment of an additional Rs 500. The amount collected through SRIVANI tickets is invested in fixed deposits. The interest on fixed deposits is used to fund construction of Lord Venkateswara temples and renovation of ancient shrines across the country, apart from propagation of Hindu Sanatana Dharma.
SRIVANI tickets had also been introduced to reduce dependence on recommendation-based VIP letters and curb the role of middlemen. However, the demand for SRIVANI tickets has risen sharply over the years, increasing pressure on the allocation process.
TTD thus introduced online booking of SRIVANI tickets and enabled their sale at Tirumala Airport. However, with online tickets getting booking within minutes and complaints of its misuse surfacing, TTD is considering the lucky dip-based system. Officials believe this could reduce the advantage enjoyed by speed-based online bookings and provide a more uniform opportunity for devotees.
EO Ravichandra said TTD would ensure that issuance of SRIVANI tickets does not exceed 1,500 a day. He further said TTD is examining the possibility of extending SRIVANI ticket issuance through Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram and other airports.
