TTD maintains 12 temples and their sub-temples and employs about 14,000 people.
Hyderabad:
In a major move, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board, which manages 12 temples, including the richest Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, has decided not to allow any private eateries and restaurants in the hill temple town. Instead, it will set up many more free Anna Prasadam food outlets and kiosks.
The eateries that are being closed are being given the option of running other enterprises above Tirumala.
The trust said that it would meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray within a month to try to get permission for the land for the construction of Srivari temple in Mumbai. It denied media reports that the tickets for Arijit Sewa would be hiked.
After the board meeting on Thursday, the TTD said Rs 3,096 crore has been approved as budget for temple maintenance and related expenses for the financial year 2023. TTD, an independent trust that manages clusters of temples, has also taken several measures to ensure smooth functioning. And make the pilgrimage hassle free.
TTD Trust Board Chairman YV Subba Reddy said that the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided across the country, and following the government’s directions, it will resume “Arjita Seva” and Darshan Those who were staying since March 2020.
The trust has approved the construction of a hospital for children by Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy at a cost of Rs 230 crore, the trust said in a statement after its board meeting.
The board said a fund of Rs 25 crore would be set up for cashless treatment for TTD employees and pensioners in private hospitals.
The TTD maintains 12 temples and their sub-temples and employs about 14,000 people. It also ensures facilities for the most visited place of worship anywhere in the world. There are many charitable institutions such as hospitals and activities like free food which he manages.
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