TTD Approves Budget For Rs 5,258.68 Crore For 2025-26

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board today approved a budget of Rs 5,258.68 crore for the financial year 2025-26, TTD Chairman B R Naidu announced during a press briefing at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala.

Accompanied by TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao, board members and other officials, Naidu outlined the following key resolutions adopted during the board meeting:

1. Salary enhancements and medical benefits: The board will explore the feasibility of increasing salaries and providing improved medical care for 'Potu' workers (temple kitchen staff). The board had previously, in December 2023, approved a Rs 10,000 salary hike for these workers, and reclassified the Vahana bearers as skilled workers to enhance their remuneration.

2. Financial assistance for temple reconstruction: The board approved financial aid for rebuilding temples in various locations, including Kodangal, Karimnagar, Upamaka, Anakapalle, Kurnool, Dharmavaram, Talakona and Tirupati (Gangamma).

3. Guest house renovations: Plans are underway to reconstruct certain VIP and non-VIP guest houses in Tirumala to better accommodate visiting devotees.

4. Donation passbooks: The board resolved to cancel donation passbooks of donors who had previously supplied organic products to TTD.

5. Land reallocation: A decision was made to revoke the 20-acre land allocation at Alipiri, initially intended for establishing a science city and a museum. This move aligns with previous actions to reclaim lands, such as the cancellation of a lease to the Visakha Sarada Peetham due to violations.

6. Regulation of commercial activities: The board aims to identify and take appropriate action against unauthorised and unlicensed shops in Tirumala to maintain the sanctity and order of the area.

7. Special darshan provisions: The feasibility of offering offline darshan options for elderly and specially-abled citizens will be explored, enhancing accessibility for all devotees.

8. VIP break darshan timing: Consideration is being given to adjusting the Srivari VIP break darshan to 5:30 am, reverting to previous timings based on devotee feedback.

9. Family darshan tickets: TTD employees' family members will receive six Supatham darshan tickets every three months, facilitating their spiritual engagement.

10. Contract lecturer committee: A committee will be formed to address the concerns of 151 contract lecturers who have been serving in TTD colleges for the past 25 years, aiming to provide them with appropriate resolutions.

New initiatives and allocations

1. Agama advisory council: The establishment of a new Agama Salaha Mandali has been approved to provide guidance on temple rituals and practices.

2. Sports complex development: Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the Srinivasa Sports Complex in Tirupati, promoting physical well-being among the community.

Prior to the meeting, the board observed a two-minute silence to honour the passing of renowned singer and TTD Asthana Vidhwan Dr Garimella Balakrishna Prasad.

Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, Joint Executive Officer Veerabrahmam and other board members were also in attendance.