Published May 21, 2025 | 9:16 AM ⚊ Updated May 21, 2025 | 9:16 AM
TTD EO Shyamala Rao. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: At its meeting on 20 May, the TTD Trust Board approved key proposals to enhance healthcare, employee welfare, and temple infrastructure. Highlights include an additional ₹71 crore for SVIMS Hospital, a VRS scheme for non-religious staff, and environmental upgrades in Tirumala. TTD EO J Shyamala Rao said these initiatives aim to improve services for devotees and the region’s underprivileged.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board, which met at Annamaiah Bhavan on Tuesday, 20 May, approved several proposals, including giving a significant boost to medical services at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), offering a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for non-religious TTD employees, and plans to enhance temple infrastructure and environmental conservation in Tirumala.
TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao, briefing media persons on the decisions taken at the board meeting, said they were meant for further improvement of service to the devotees.
In a move to strengthen healthcare access for the poor and needy in the Rayalaseema region, the TTD board approved an additional ₹71 crore annually for SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital, supplementing the existing ₹60 crore allocation.
SVIMS, a flagship medical institution under TTD’s aegis, serves thousands of underprivileged patients. To address staffing shortages, the board has given green signal to recruitment of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff to fill vacant positions. Besides this, ongoing construction projects at SVIMS will be expedited to make new facilities available to patients as early as possible.
In a new initiative, the board announced the upcoming launch of Srivari Vaidya Seva, a voluntary medical service programme modelled on the TTD’s Srivari Seva. This programme will invite medical experts to offer pro bono services to patients, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality care. “This is a landmark decision to ensure that SVIMS remains within the reach of the region’s underserved,” Rao said.
The board also approved a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for non-religious employees working under TTD, alongside exploring alternative transfer options. They are those who are identified as not adhering to Hindu religious practices or traditions, as required by TTD’s rules for staff working in its religious institutions.
This move aims to give a push to the organisation’s workforce with its spiritual mission, ensuring that staff roles reflect the religious ethos of the institution. The decision comes as part of TTD’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations while maintaining sensitivity to employee welfare.
The EO said that following Chief Minister Naidu’s directive, the TTD board will remain committed to increasing the green cover in the Tirumala hills from the current 68.14 percent to 80 percent. To achieve this, ₹4 crore will be released to the Government Forest Department in phases: ₹1.74 crore in 2025-26, ₹1.13 crore in 2026-27, and ₹1.13 crore in 2027-28. This initiative underscores TTD’s commitment to environmental sustainability, enhancing the ecological balance of the sacred hills.
The board also approved the development of a comprehensive master plan for temples in Tiruchanoor, Amaravati, Narayanavanam, Kapilatheertham, Nagalapuram, and Vontimitta. Technical and financial proposals from architects and consultants will be invited to ensure holistic development, improving facilities for devotees visiting these historic sites.
To improve the spiritual and infrastructure experience at popular sites like Akashaganga and Papavinasanam, where devotees flock in large numbers, the board had decided to formulate a plan to upgrade spiritual, environmental, and infrastructure facilities. Similarly, Annaprasadam services will be enhanced at the Vontimitta temple to better serve devotees.
The board also approved the renaming of all rest houses in Tirumala after deities, except for two, whose donors have not yet responded. The TTD will rename these two independently, while negotiations continue for renaming the Sainik Niwas rest house, currently linked to the Indian Army.
To ensure quality food for devotees, the board fixed license fees for Big Canteens and Janatha Canteens in Tirumala, entrusting their management to reputed institutions. This apart, ₹10 crore was allocated for the development of the Sridevi and Bhudevi Sameta Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Anantavaram, Tullur mandal, reinforcing TTD’s commitment to temple preservation and growth.
In response to growing security concerns, the board approved the adoption of anti-drone technology to safeguard the Tirumala temple, a move aimed at ensuring the safety of devotees and the sanctity of the premises.
The board also took a firm stand against cultural insensitivity, resolving to pursue legal action against the DD Next Level film crew for remixing the sacred Govinda Namavali, which has offended devotees’ sentiments. “The TTD will not tolerate actions that disrespect the religious feelings of millions,” Rao stated.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
