Latest news with #Tirumala-TirupatiDevasthanams
Hans India
9 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
TTD suspends 4 employees
Tirupati: The Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four employees for reportedly engaging in practices that contradict the Hindu principles upheld by the institution. This action, officials said, comes as part of an ongoing effort to enforce strict adherence to the code of conduct expected from staff serving in a religious organisation. The employees facing suspension include Deputy Executive Engineer (Quality Control) B Elizar, staff nurse S Rosi, pharmacist M Premavati, and Dr G Asunta of SV Ayurveda Pharmacy. These individuals were identified following a vigilance investigation that found them involved in non-Hindu religious observances. TTD officials clarified that the suspensions were not arbitrary but followed a formal process involving internal vigilance reports that confirmed breaches of service rules. 'Those working in institutions like the TTD are not just employees, they are seen as custodians of its religious character. Any deviation from the spiritual ethos of the institution invites disciplinary action', an official source said. This is not the first such case in recent months. On July 8, Assistant Executive Officer A Rajasekhar Babu was suspended after evidence emerged of his participation in church services in his native village, Puttur, located in Tirupati district. His case was similarly reviewed by the vigilance wing before suspension orders were issued.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
TTD counters remain cash-only despite digital push
Tirupati: Despite India's widespread embrace of digital payments, the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), one of the nation's most revered religious institutions, continues to operate numerous sales counters on a cash-only basis, causing growing frustration among pilgrims. While Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become ubiquitous nationwide, many TTD-run outlets are yet to adopt this convenient payment mode. Counters directly managed by the TTD, including those selling essential devotional items such as publications, incense sticks, coconuts, and camphor, particularly around the main temple and other prominent spots, still lack UPI facilities. This often leads to inconvenience, as sales staff reportedly insists on exact change, putting devotees in an uncomfortable position. A recurring grievance involves the purchase of coconuts and camphor at the Akhilandam, situated opposite the main temple. Pilgrims wishing to fulfil their vows are required to pay Rs 20 at a TTD outlet near the steps. However, many are turned away if they offer higher denomination notes, as staff strictly demands the exact amount in cash. This absence of digital payment options at critical sales points stands in stark contrast to the progress TTD has made in other areas. Facilities such as accommodation bookings, darshan ticket counters, laddu sales points, and donation kiosks within the Annadanam complex already support UPI transactions. Recent reports also indicate TTD has implemented UPI-enabled kiosks for laddu purchases, aiming at streamlining the process. The growing frustration among devotees is palpable. "Even roadside vendors have adopted UPI. Why is the TTD lagging?" questioned a pilgrim, expressing the added burden of arranging smaller denominations simply to purchase a coconut. As pilgrims, especially younger and urban visitors, increasingly prefer cashless transactions, the lack of UPI at these key sales points is seen as a significant oversight in TTD's broader digital transformation efforts. Many are urging the administration to enable UPI payments across all its outlets without further delay. Given the TTD's vast scale and national stature, devotees believe that bridging this digital gap is not merely a matter of convenience, but a necessary step to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital age.
