In a series of significant decisions this week, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has given its approval for several major projects and welfare measures. The key announcements include the construction of a new Lord Sri Venkateswara Temple in Mumbai's Bandra, a substantial salary hike for priests and temple staff, and plans for an integrated township in Tirupati to cater to the growing number of devotees.
Substantial Salary Increases for Temple Staff
The TTD board has finally approved a long-awaited salary revision for 62 priests, attendants, kitchen workers, and prasadam distributors serving at Tirumala and its affiliated temples. This move is aimed at improving the livelihood of those who perform essential temple services.
The revised pay structure brings a major boost. The monthly salary for priests has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000. Attendants will now receive Rs 30,000, up from Rs 23,140. Similarly, kitchen workers' pay has been raised from Rs 24,279 to Rs 30,000, and prasadam distributors will get Rs 30,000 instead of the previous Rs 23,640.
Furthermore, in response to the soaring demand for the iconic Tirupati ladoos and other prasadams, the TTD has submitted a formal proposal to the state government. The proposal seeks permission to recruit 18 new cooks for the massive temple kitchen at Tirumala.
New Infrastructure Projects: From Mumbai to Telangana
A landmark decision involves the construction of a grand Sri Venkateswara Temple in Bandra, Mumbai. TTD Chairman B R Naidu stated that the project, estimated to cost Rs 14.40 crore, will commence shortly. This temple is expected to serve the large devotee community in the financial capital.
Closer to the main temple complex, the board has decided to appoint an architect to plan an integrated township on 20 acres of land in Tirupati. This township is envisioned to provide better accommodation and facilities for pilgrims. The board also issued fresh guidelines for donors interested in constructing and maintaining cottages for devotees.
In a move extending its reach to a neighbouring state, the TTD will construct an accommodation complex for devotees at the Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple in Kondagattu, located in Jagtial district of Telangana.
Enhancing Healthcare and Educational Facilities
The board's decisions also focused on upgrading institutional infrastructure run by the TTD. A major upgrade is planned for the Sri Padmavathi Children's Heart Hospital in Tirupati, with the board approving Rs 48 crore for acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment and improving patient facilities.
In the education sector, based on a report from its Education Sub-Committee, the TTD has sanctioned the introduction of digital classrooms, installation of CCTV cameras, provision of computers and necessary software, and hiring of required staff across all 31 educational institutions under its management.
Additionally, to accommodate more students, the number of hostel seats at the Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree College in Tirupati will be increased by 270 seats, supplementing the existing 2,100 seats.
In a cultural initiative, the board has formed a committee to rename roads and major junctions in Tirumala. The new names will be drawn from the Vaishnava Puranas, Alwars, and names found in Annamacharya Sankeertanas, enriching the spiritual ambiance of the holy town.
