Tirumala: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board, chaired by BR Naidu, convened at Annamaiah Bhavan on Tuesday to discuss and approve several crucial decisions aimed at enhancing pilgrim services and expanding TTD’s global footprint.
The board approved the formation of a committee of experts to oversee the global expansion of TTD temples and properties, in line with the directives of Chief Minister Sri N Chandrababu Naidu. This decision also includes the construction of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temples at key locations across India, based on the recommendations of the newly formed committee. Furthermore, the board decided to request the state government to recommend granting national status to the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), which would allow for improved medical services for underprivileged patients, along with special funding from the central government.
In a move to enhance medical facilities for pilgrims, the board approved the hiring of civil assistant surgeons, nurses, and paramedical staff, along with the procurement of advanced medical equipment to cater to pilgrims, especially those on foot. Additionally, the board introduced a new feedback management system, which will be implemented in collaboration with the AP Digital Corporation, to gather and address feedback from devotees.
To improve the quality of food served to pilgrims, the board approved the outsourcing of canteen management to leading companies to provide quality food products at affordable prices. In addition, 258 catering staff will be hired to enhance the quality of Annaprasadam. A new Food Safety Department will also be established to inspect food items and maintain health and hygiene standards for the multitude of devotees, with the appointment of a Senior Food Safety Officer.
The board approved a financial contribution of Rs. 2 crores from the SV Vidyadana Trust to support a traditional school run by Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in Tirupati. A Golden Gopura Kalasam will be installed at the Vontimitta Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple at a cost of Rs. 43 lakhs. Furthermore, Rs. 3.36 crores will be allocated for the construction of six toilet blocks to facilitate devotees waiting in the Sarva Darshan queues for Srivari Darshan.
Lastly, the board decided to appeal to the Maharashtra government to reduce the Rs. 20 crore lease for land allocated by CIDCO for the construction of the Sri Padmavati Ammavari Temple in Navi Mumbai.
TTD EO Sri J Syamala Rao, Additional EO Sri Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, and other board members attended the meeting.
