national

Tirupati Temple Board sacks 18 non-Hindu employees

Harshad Dewangan 06 February 2025

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has taken action against 18 employees for not following Hindu religious practices during TTD festivals and rituals. According to a TTD statement, this action was taken on the instructions of TTD Chairman BR Naidu.

The statement said, "Following the directions of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has initiated action against employees who follow non-Hindu religious practices while working in the institution.

The statement said, "The authorities have identified 18 employees who are following non-Hindu religious practices despite being employed by the TTD. Orders for disciplinary action have been issued against the 18 identified employees who have been participating in TTD festivals and rituals as well as non-Hindu religious activities."

Further, as part of efforts to maintain the spiritual integrity of TTD operations, the board has proposed to transfer these employees to other government departments or grant them voluntary retirement.

The TTD statement said, "The TTD Board has recently resolved to transfer such employees to government departments or facilitate their exit through Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).

This decision is in line with TTD's commitment to maintain the spiritual sanctity of its temples and religious activities." Earlier in November 2024, the TTD board had also passed another resolution, according to which non-Hindus employed by the board will have to either take voluntary retirement or opt for transfer to other government departments in Andhra Pradesh.