TTD Set To Revise Donor Privileges To Improve Darshan For Common Devotees
The privileges are being rationalised to improve darshan opportunities for common devotees in the coming days: TTD chairman B.R. Naidu and executive officer Muddada Ravichandra
TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board has approved a new policy that revises privileges to persons who make donations to its trusts and schemes.
The changes will come into effect from Tuesday midnight. However, the changes will apply only to future donors, while existing donors will continue to receive the benefits.
Elaborating on the revision after a trust board meeting, TTD chairman B.R. Naidu and executive officer Muddada Ravichandra said the privileges are being rationalised to improve darshan opportunities for common devotees in the coming days.
They pointed out that the new policy reduces certain donor privileges, while bringing transparency and uniformity in donation management. They clarified that there would be no change in facilities extended to existing donors.
Asked what the changes are, the TTD chairman and EO said the details will be made public in a couple of days.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved an entry fee of ₹50 for visitors to the SV Museum in Tirumala. The fee, payable by those above 12 years, includes GST.
Further, the TTD decided to approach the Tata Group to manage the museum.
The board approved tenders worth ₹6.31 crore to construct permanent shelters, queue lines, and toilets near Alwar Tank for devotees holding Slotted Sarva Darshan tokens in Tirumala.
It sanctioned ₹2.77 crore for construction of a double-lane bridge near Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara dams.
As part of its green energy initiative, the board cleared the installation of an 800-kW wind turbine generator near GNC through a donation from Wish Wind Infrastructure, which will supply power to TTD for 25 years.
Among other decisions, the board okayed ₹5 crore for scientific processing of old solid waste near Kakula Manuthippa through bio-remediation and bio-mining, and ₹2.35 crore for maintenance of fire safety systems in TTD temples and guest houses.
The TTD cleared the demolition of 12 old buildings near TBC and ATC guest houses to make way for new donor-funded buildings. It approved the printing of 10 lakh diaries, 13.5 lakh 12-page calendars, and 75,000 six-page calendars for 2027.
For Vontimitta Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple, the board sanctioned tenders worth ₹17.84 crore to construct a 100-room rest house for pilgrims.
It permitted the use of one-kg gold from the TTD treasury for making golden armour for the presiding deities. It sanctioned ₹2.11 crore for land acquisition to widen the northeast mada street. It sanctioned ₹2.50 crore for construction works at Sri Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple in Tirupati.
To strengthen Vedic activities, TTD approved the appointment of 791 honorarium Vedic scholars under the Veda Parayanam Scheme to ensure daily recitation of the four Vedas in TTD and other temples across the state.
It okayed an increase in remuneration for artists serving in various TTD departments based on their skills. It decided to send a proposal to the state government to upgrade 65 server posts in TTD canteens as catering supervisor posts.