Latest news with #B.Elizer
Mint
20-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
Triumala Tirupati Devasthanam suspends 4 non-Hindu employees. Here's why
Triumala Tirupati Devasthanam on Saturday suspended four employees for allegedly following a non-Hindu faith, citing a violation of the institutional code. The employees were reportedly following the Christian faith, which violates the code of conduct expected from staff working in a Hindu religious institution, TTD said in a statement on X. 'Following a vigilance report and review of supporting evidence, disciplinary action was taken as per rules, leading to their immediate suspension,' TTD said on X. According to the TTD, the suspended employees are B. Elizer, Deputy Executive Engineer (Quality Control), S. Rosi, Staff Nurse, BIRD Hospital, M. Premavathi, Grade 1 Pharmacist, BIRD Hospital, and Dr. G. Asunta, SV Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Earlier, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar raised strong objections to the employment of non-Hindus in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during his visit to Tirumala on his birthday on Friday. Addressing the media after offering prayers at the Lord Venkateswara temple, he questioned, 'How can non-Hindus be given jobs in TTD?' Why are they still being retained even after changes in governments and administrations? What action is being taken when over a thousand non-Hindus are employed in TTD? They must be removed from their positions immediately." "TTD should allocate funds to support temples, especially those that are unable to afford even the basic rituals like dhupa-deepa-naivedyam, " he said, stating that it was unacceptable that non-Hindus are currently working in TTD despite lacking belief in Hinduism or the deity. "Would mosques or churches ever employ a Hindu wearing a bottu (sacred mark on the forehead)? No, they wouldn't. So why are non-Hindus being given jobs in TTD? Continuing this practice, even after changes in government, is not right. I strongly demand their immediate removal," he said, demanding their immediate removal. Sanjay asserted, "Tirumala belongs to Hindus. If non-Hindus or foreigners want to visit the deity, a faith declaration is mandatory. Unfortunately, over a thousand non-Hindus are working in TTD, many of whom do not believe in Hinduism or the deity. Why are such people being employed and retained?"
NDTV
19-07-2025
- NDTV
Tirupati Board Suspends 4 Non-Hindu Employees For Flouting Code Of Conduct
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four of its employees following allegations that they were practicing a non-Hindu faith, which is reportedly in violation of the institution's code of conduct. According to a statement issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of TTD, the four individuals - B. Elizer (Deputy Executive Engineer, Quality Control), S. Rosi (Staff Nurse, BIRRD Hospital), M. Premavathi (Grade-I Pharmacist, BIRRD Hospital), and Dr. G. Asunta (SV Ayurvedic Pharmacy) - have been suspended after an internal investigation. TTD, which administers the world-renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, follows a strict code of conduct for its employees, especially those working in religious or associated institutions. The code mandates that individuals employed within the TTD system must adhere to the tenets of the Hindu faith in both conduct and practice. The action was taken after a vigilance report highlighted concerns about the religious affiliations of the employees. The internal enquiry reportedly confirmed that the suspended personnel were following the non-Hindu faith, which was considered a breach of institutional guidelines. "The employees acted irresponsibly while performing duties in a Hindu religious organisation," the CPRO's statement said. Following a review of evidence and the vigilance department's report, "departmental action was taken against them as per the rules and the four employees were immediately suspended," it said. The suspension has triggered discussions on the boundaries of religious freedom in faith-based institutions that are publicly funded or administered. While TTD has not commented further, officials have indicated that adherence to the institution's spiritual ethos is non-negotiable for its staff. The matter may spark wider debate on employment rights versus religious guidelines in India's temple administration systems. It is worthy to note here that earlier on July 11, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar urged Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to remove non-Hindus from employment in Tirumala and claimed that over 1,000 non-Hindus are still working in TTD.
