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Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
NGOs providing last minute connectivity to govt welfare schemes
I have always held the view that among their other strengths, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and voluntary organisations have the commitment and the ability to stay with the people to monitor implementations of the programmes earmarked for them, until the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, thus providing the all-important last mile connectivity link. Initiatives undertaken by government departments, on the other hand, often create a vacuum, when they withdraw, either because the programs have run their course, or when the funds have dried up, even if the goals are yet to be achieved. Also, government programmes rarely succeed in infusing the element of ownership to beneficiaries of the interventions, something which NGOs are especially good at doing. NGOs possess the last mile connectivity that can impact programmatic quality. Sometime ago, I was invited to join as a member of the Trust Board (TB) of the well-known NGO, Durgabai Deshmukh Mahila Sabha, reputed for its work for the underprivileged sections and, in particular, women, children and the physically and mentally challenged, apart from running well-known and much sought after educational and healthcare institutions. Despite my reluctance to accept commitments to render full justice, to which I may not have the time energy or, for that matter, the background, I accepted. My decision was in no small measure influenced by the knowledge that my mother, Papayamma, was a founder trustee of that great organisation. And it was my father, Bhimasankaram, who was, in fact, the first donor to the organisation, with the princely amount of a hundred rupees in those days! A proposal was recently mooted in the TB, suggesting that the organisation apply to the government of India for registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). That set me thinking about the subject of assistance to NGOs, particularly in view of the long association, that I have had with them. A relationship began way back in 1971, when, as the Sub Collector at Ongole in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, when I first met the charming and indefatigable Father Windy, a Belgian Jesuit priest, who was constructing a colony for tribals in a village just outside Chirala town, very imaginatively named Itanagar. In later days, I came to know the legendary Dr. B.V. Parameswara Rao, founder of the very well-known NGO 'Bhagavatula Charitable Trust' (BCT), which has been doing yeoman service to poor people, especially in agriculture and allied sectors, health, education and skill development. Impressed by the outstanding work being done by the organization, none other than the President of the World Bank at that time visited the area and personally congratulated Parameswara Rao. The work done by it in Self Help Groups of women, in association with the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), was later to result in NABARD becoming the arm of the state and central governments for upscaling the model. Years later, while serving as the Secretary to Sharda Mukherjee, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, an organization named 'Chetana' was founded by the Governor, primarily to provide assistance to the victims of the super cyclone and unprecedented tidal wave that hit the East Coast of Andhra Pradesh in 1977. Later, after moving from the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad to Krishna district as Collector, I founded 'Anveshana', an NGO that was to serve as a bridge between the district administration, the various departments of the government in charge of development programmes and the beneficiaries thereof. It was also then that I assisted the Governor in the discharge of her functions and responsibilities as the Chairman of the State Red Cross Society, a state level unit of the reputed humanitarian and charitable organisation, the International Red Cross Society which everybody has heard of. I had a close association with NGOs again, as the Additional Secretary in charge of the department of Land Resources, in the Ministry of Rural Development of the government of India, during which period I had the occasion to visit and observe the excellent work being done by the legendary Ramakrishna Mission at Belur, near the then Calcutta. It was also during the same period that I had the opportunity of observing from close quarters the functioning of the Council for Advancement of Peoples Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), an autonomous body set up by the Ministry of Rural Development to interface between the government and NGOs, which seeks to improve the quality of life in India's rural areas. After my return to Hyderabad, upon completing my tenure as a member of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Delhi, and encouraged by the leisure I experienced after four decades of hectic activity, I started an organisation to address some of my very long cherished desires. Named 'Vaaradhi', it aims to serve as a platform for like-minded organisations – a forum for the exchange of views, pooling and sharing of experiences and focusing, primarily, on encouraging youth to become productive citizens of the country in the future. Coming back to the question of NGOs seeking and receiving support, it has been my experience that finances are not the only challenge they face. They often approach agencies and individuals for many other forms of support, including expertise in areas such as health care, education, agriculture, and skill development apart from project formulation. BCT, in particular, has been able to strike fruitful and productive partnerships with many organisations, including Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Tech Mahindra Foundation and Head and Heart for the Handicapped (HHH). Some NGOs prefer getting assistance from outside the country, especially from Non-Resident Indians (NRI)s and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) though such support is abundantly forthcoming from domestic sources, perhaps on account of personal contacts, or a shared commitment, to a cause or purpose. Unfortunately, however, the route has proved a convenient conduit for the murky business of religious conversions. Remittances from those residing abroad have also, on occasion, been used for nefarious, including terrorist, acts and are rightly perceived, by the central government, as a threat to the economic growth of the country. As a result, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, was brought in, to regulate acceptance, and utilisation, of foreign contributions, in case it is detrimental to the national interest. The advantage with assistance secured from domestic organisations and individuals is that, it often comes without any strings attached. Assistance from agencies abroad not only generally entails compliance to various stipulations which may not only be difficult to comply with, but also may be at variance with the protocols and principles prescribed by the state and central governments. In monetary terms, the total outlay of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) alone is around ₹1.8 lakh crore annually, forming a substantial portion of the development budget across central and state governments. Foreign assistance through FCRA accounts for approximately ₹17,500 to ₹18,500 crore annually - just about 10% of MoRD's allocation - and only a fraction of that goes to rural development activities. Similarly, in the health sector, the contribution of NGOs is estimated to be between two and five per cent of the country's total health expenditure, based on past studies. These numbers indicate that while NGOs play a vital and catalytic role, their financial scale remains modest in comparison to public outlays. Every year, NGOs in India receive about ₹43,210 crore from local sources such as the mandatory contributions by corporate entities prescribed under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provision of the Companies Act 2013, high-net-worth individuals, and family trusts. Well over twice the amount they get from foreign contributions through FCRA, which averages around ₹17,776 crore annually. That being the case, I remain skeptical not only about the need for and desirability of taking the FCRA route, which may amongst to rushing in where angels fear to tread. Justifiably, or otherwise, the fact remains that, generally speaking, people repose little faith in governments. They would rather approach other agencies, either for redressal of their grievances, or fulfilling their requirements. Governments, as a matter of fact, are held in such little respect that someone said, 'I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts!' Another pertinent point, in this context, is that the archetypal Indian is in the habit of preferring the exotic to something the Telugu saying goes, food cooked in the neighbour's kitchen, is always tastier! (The writer was formerly Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh)
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
TTD plans to build lounges across Tirumala
VIJAYAWADA: To address the growing influx of devotees at Tirumala, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board resolved to form an expert committee to assess the feasibility of constructing Vaikuntham Queue Complex-3 to streamline crowd management. Plans are also underway to establish well-equipped rest centres (lounges) across Tirumala for enhanced devotee comfort. This innovative lounge initiative will cater to a diverse range of pilgrims, including VVIPs and VIPs, as well as those with free tokens and Rs 300 Sheeghra Darshan tickets, with a special focus on meeting the immediate needs of Srivani Donor Darshan ticket holders. The TTD has also noted a growing demand for such facilities among VVIPs, prompting the board to develop detailed plans, and identify suitable locations. Additionally, a master plan and detailed project report (DPR) will be developed to further enhance the Shila Thoranam and Chakratheertham areas in Tirumala. TTD allocates Rs 4.35 cr for Annaprasadam at Vontimitta temple The Board has allocated Rs 4.35 crore to ensure a continuous supply of Annaprasadam (free meals) for devotees at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta, a significant step to enhance devotee welfare. Disclosing it during a media briefing alongside Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao after a key meeting at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Tuesday, TTD chairman BR Naidu explained that infrastructure upgrades, including improved lighting, security, and a spiritually enriching ambiance, will be implemented along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu pedestrian pathways.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
TTD to expedite AI tech adoption for faster darshan
Tirumala: The Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board, at its meeting held in Tirumala on Tuesday, decided to expedite the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve the management of pilgrim flow and reduce waiting times for darshan at the Tirumala temple. The meeting, chaired by TTD Chairman B R Naidu, was attended by Executive Officer J Syamala Rao, Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, JEO V Veerabrahmam, and other board members. Naidu stated that two reputed firms are currently engaged in resolving procedural challenges to facilitate the implementation of AI-based systems. He affirmed the board's commitment to deploying AI solutions aimed at improving pilgrim convenience, particularly during peak seasons. The system will incorporate real-time monitoring and predictive analytics for better crowd management. As part of a broader infrastructure initiative, the board also approved preliminary steps to construct a third Vaikuntam Queue Complex (VQC-III) to ease the burden on the existing complexes. A dedicated committee with consultancy support will be constituted to identify a suitable site and prepare a detailed project report. The board further discussed establishing lounges with all essential amenities at different locations in Tirumala to offer relief to devotees during long waiting periods. The board sanctioned Rs 4.35 crore to provide uninterrupted free meals (annaprasadam) at the Vontimitta Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple. It also approved improvements to infrastructure, lighting, security, and spiritual ambiance along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths to enhance the experience of pilgrims trekking to Tirumala. To tackle the growing risk of cyber frauds, the board gave its approval for setting up a cyber security lab. In the Kalyanakatta tonsure facility, TTD plans to consult experts to upgrade hygiene, safety, and amenities. Additionally, a master plan and detailed project report will be prepared to improve the Silathoranam and Chakra Theertham areas in Tirumala. Following Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's directions, the board reviewed an expert panel report on constructing Srivari temples in various countries. A sub-committee will be formed to assess the report and recommend the next course of action. The TTD board also approved the hiring of four volunteer service coordinators on a contract basis and granted permission to build a new integrated administrative complex in Tirumala to streamline departmental operations. As per recommendations by IIT experts, six old and dilapidated buildings in the HVC area—including Balaji Visranti Gruham, Ampro Guest House, Annapurna Canteen, and Kalyani Satralu—will be demolished and redeveloped. Under the Srivani Trust, the board introduced a tiered funding model of Rs 10 lakh, Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 20 lakh for temples and bhajan mandirs in SC, ST, and backward areas, replacing the earlier flat Rs 10 lakh grant system. A comprehensive development plan will also be prepared for Tallapaka, the birthplace of saint-poet Annamayya, to undertake various improvement works. Additionally, Rs 79.82 lakh was sanctioned to supply 320 newly constructed temples under the Samarasata Seva Foundation with free microphone sets. As part of Vedic tradition preservation, Rs 2.16 crore was allocated to provide unemployment stipends for jobless Veda Parayanadars through the Endowments Department. In line with a directive from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, the board approved the regularisation of 142 contract drivers and resolved to forward the proposal to the government for final approval.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
TTD sub-committee to explore feasibility of building Vaikuntam Queue Complex-III
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board, which met on Tuesday, took several significant decisions aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims and streamlining its operations. Addressing the media on the deliberations of the meeting, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao said that the Trust Board decided to constitute a sub-committee with experts to explore the feasibility of constructing the Vaikuntam Queue Complex-III to cater to the increasing pilgrim rush. Cybersecurity lab The Trust Board gave its nod for setting up a cybersecurity laboratory to protect pilgrims from fraud. Additionally, the TTD is planning to construct lounges with all facilities at pivotal centres, enhance lighting and security along the trekking routes, and build an administrative building at Tirumala to bring various departments under one roof, The TTD has decided to demolish several structures, including Balaji and Ampro guest houses, Kalyanai Choultry and six blocks in the HVDC area, as per the recommendations of IIT experts. In a major decision, it has recommended the regularisation of the services of 142 contract drivers in the TTD to the government, as per the directions of the High Court. The Trust Board decided to organise daily 'Annadanam' at the temple of Lord Kodandaswamy at Vontimitta in Kadapa district and sanctioned ₹4.35 crore for the purpose. Furthermore, it decided to constitute a sub-committee to oversee the construction of Lord Venkateswara temples in various countries and chalk out a master plan for the development of Silathoranam and Chakra Theertham. Other key decisions include creating four coordinator posts on a contract basis to strengthen the Srivari Seva wing, improving facilities at the Kalyanakatta, and releasing funds for the construction of temples in SC, ST, and backwards colonies under the SRIVANI Trust. The trust will provide funds in three categories—₹10 lakh, ₹15 lakh, and ₹20 lakh, as per the directions of the Endowments Department. Additionally, ₹2.16 crore will be distributed among unemployed Veda Parayanamdars to preserve the Vedas.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Tirupati Airport to be renamed after Sri Venkateswara Swamy!!!
Tirumala: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has decided to write to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting that the Tirupati Airport be renamed as 'Sri Venkateswara International Airport'. Along with this proposal, the Board also resolved to recommend that the airport be redesigned to reflect the aesthetic and spiritual ambience of Tirumala, replicating its divine architecture and sacred atmosphere. The Trust Board met on Tuesday at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala under the chairmanship of B R Naidu. The meeting was attended by Executive Officer J Syamala Rao, Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, and several board members. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Chairman Naidu elaborated on the key decisions taken by the Board. He said that the Trust Board has approved the allocation of TTD land on a lease basis for the establishment of a CSIR laboratory in Tirupati, to be set up by the Central Government. This lab will provide TTD with facilities to conduct free quality testing of essential materials like ghee, water, and food products used in the daily activities and rituals of the temple. The Board has recommended to the APPSC to halt ongoing recruitment for lecturer posts in TTD educational institutions. To address the concerns of nearly 200 existing contract lecturers, a three-member committee has been constituted following the directive of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. As part of its efforts to modernise educational institutions, the Board has decided to upgrade the prestigious TTD-run college in New Delhi. He stated that during a recent meeting with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, a request was made for constructing a temple in Bengaluru. The Board has now decided to proceed with the construction of a Sri Venkateswara temple in a prime area of Bengaluru. The project will move forward once the Karnataka government allocates the required 47 acres of land. In another major development, Union Minister for Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy has agreed to provide TTD with 100 electric buses through the central government. Steps are being taken to bring these buses to Tirumala at the earliest to promote environmentally friendly transportation for pilgrims. Expanding its efforts in spiritual education and training, TTD will now collaborate more extensively with the Samarasata Seva Foundation to not only continue training priests but also to offer instruction in various rituals and worship methods. A new cultural programme titled 'Mana Varasatvam' will be launched to teach students the spiritual values of Hinduism and the cultural richness of the Telugu tradition. On the occasion of Varalakshmi Vratam, special celebrations under the title 'Sowbhagyam' will be held at the Tiruchanoor Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. TTD Board members Jyothula Nehru, Panabaka Lakshmi, Thammishetti Janaki Devi, Naresh, Sadashiva Rao, Shanta Ram, Rammurthy, Divakar Reddy, Bhanu Prakash Reddy, and others were present during the meeting. The decisions mark a significant step toward strengthening the spiritual, cultural, and educational vision of TTD.
