TTD bars 18 employees from religious duties for practicing in non-Hindu religious activities

Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), managing the richest and the most visited religious center Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, has barred 18 employees working at various TTD-run wings, from participating in any religious functions of TTD until further orders, according to a memo issued recently by the TTD Executive officer J Symala Rao.

The employees were also directed not to participate in any religious programmes of the TTD.

The TTD EO asked the Chief Engineer of TTD , Deputy Executive Officer (HR) to verify the present postings of these 18 employees and ensure that they are not to be posted in Tirumala, any temple and any religious program related works and post, the memo stated.

If any of these employees presently working in the above said posts/places, transfer them from such religiously sensitive places immediately”, the memo also stated.

The Heads of different departments were also instructed not to post or depute these employees in any of the temple related duties or any religious processions, programs, fairs and festivals of the TTD, according to memo.

The memo elaborated that all the TTD employees were committed to maintain the sanctity of the temple by upholding the traditions and values that have been followed for centuries and to uphold the beliefs and sentiments of the devotees.

The memo also stated “ It has been proved that the these employees are practising and participating in Non-Hindu religious activities despite they have take the ‘oath’ before the photograph/ Idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy Varu stating that they will follow the Hindu dharma and Hindu traditions only and also stating that they will not follow Non-Hindu religious activities in compliance with Rule 9 (vi) issued in GOMs No.1060 Revenue (Endowments-I), dateds 24.10.1989.

In spite of that, these employees are practicing and participating in Non-Hindu religious activities and also taking part in Hindu religious fairs, festivals and functions conducted by TTD, which impact the sanctity, sentiments and beliefs of crores of Hindu devotees.

As a result, disciplinary actions have been initiated against these employees to curtail their Non-Hindu religious activities, the memo added.

In October last year, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Trust Board Chairman B R Naidu said all those who work at Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, should be Hindus.

He said he would speak to the Andhra Pradesh government on how to deal with staff members belonging to other religions, whether they should be sent to other government departments or given VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme).