TTD to Adopt Cost-Control Strategy to Check Rising Expenditure

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to implement a comprehensive cost-control strategy after a thorough internal financial review revealed a consistent rise in fixed expenditures against largely static revenue streams.

While examining the revised estimates for 2024–25 and the budget proposals for 2025–26, the TTD board’s finance committee realised that its institutional expenditures, particularly in areas like salaries, material procurement, hospitals and educational institutions are steadily increasing. But the income remains driven by a few predictable sources—chiefly the Hundi collections.

“While receipts have remained constant, expenditure is continuing to rise,” the finance committee underlined, recommending a thorough evaluation of all expenditures.

According to the approved 2025–26 budget, TTD expects a total income of Rs 5,258.68 crore, a marginal increase from Rs 5,179.85 crore in the revised estimate for 2024–25. Hundi collections are projected at Rs 1,729 crore, remaining the primary revenue source. Other major contributors include interest receipts of Rs 1,310 crore, prasadam sales at Rs 600 crore, darshan receipts Rs 310 crore and Kalyanakatta receipts Rs 176.50 crore. Revenue from other sources—such as Arjitha sevas (TRs 130 crore) and accommodation (Rs 157 crore)—has seen no growth.

On the expenditure front, human resource payments are budgeted at Rs 1,773.75 crore, up from Rs 1,748.75 crore in the previous year. Material purchases have risen significantly, from Rs 666 crore to Rs 768 crore. Allocations to hospitals and educational institutions remain unchanged at Rs 156 crore and Rs 189 crore, respectively. Vigilance and security expenditure has been reduced to Rs 191 crore. Capital works have been allocated Rs 350 crore, including Rs 143.10 crore for pilgrim amenities and Rs 49.30 crore for hospital infrastructure.

To curb rising costs, the TTD Trust Board, chaired by B.R. Naidu, approved a series of measures. A key initiative is the establishment of Strategic Activity Centres to track financial data across departments, enabling identification of high-expenditure areas and assessment of unit-level performance. The board wants institutions like SVIMS and BIRRD, which receive significant annual grants, to progress towards financial self-reliance.

Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel, which currently operates on a Rs 58 crore annual grant, has been directed to raise its own revenue through sponsorships and advertisements.

To reduce procurement costs, the board approved an expanded corporate social responsibility (CSR) outreach. By publicising its service and charitable initiatives, TTD aims to attract CSR contributions in the form of materials, goods and services.

The finance committee reviewed the underutilisation of TTD Kalyana Mandapams across the state. The board decided to repurpose these facilities for community-oriented programmes to justify the capital investment.

The Srivari Swayam Sevaks programme will be expanded to reduce reliance on outsourced staff, with volunteers deployed across key departments. A quality audit of outsourced workers and regular training for permanent employees, supported by external experts, will also be undertaken.

To monitor and roll out reforms, TTD will constitute a Financial Advisory Committee comprising experts in financial management. This committee will support the Trust Board in identifying further avenues for enhancing revenue and reducing expenditure.

“While cost-cutting is necessary, we will ensure that it does not affect service delivery to devotees. These measures are aimed at steering the institution towards a financially sustainable model, while preserving the quality of services,” the board stated while approving the new proposals.

Highlights from TTD Budget and Board Decisions

- Total Income (2025–26): Rs 5,258.68 crore

- Total Expenditure (2025–26): Rs 5,258.68 crore

Top Income Sources:

-Hundi (Srivari Kanuka): Rs 1,729 crore

- Interest Receipts: Rs 1,310 crore

- Prasadam Sales: Rs 600 crore

- Human Hair Auctions: Rs 350 crore

- Arjitha Sevas, Accommodation, and Kalyanakatta: No increase from 2024–25

Major Expenditure Heads:

- Human Resource Payments: Rs 1,773.75 crore

- Material Purchases: Rs 768.50 crore

- Hospitals: Rs 156 crore

- Educational Institutions: Rs 189 crore

- SVIMS: Rs 60 crore | BIRRD: Rs 55 crore

- SVBC: Rs 58 crore

- Engineering Capital Works: ₹350 crore

Cost-Cutting Measures Approved:

- Activity-wise financial monitoring system

- CSR push for material donations

- Volunteer-based workforce expansion

- Quality audit of outsourced manpower

- Skill enhancement for regular employees

- Community use of Kalyana Mandapams

- Formation of Financial Advisory Committee