TTD Launches ₹43 Crore Procurement Drive for Temple Cloth Materials
In a significant move to ensure the seamless supply of essential cloth materials for temple rituals, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced a major procurement plan worth ₹43 crore. This decision comes in the wake of last year's silk dupattas scandal, which prompted the temple trust to adopt stricter measures and a more transparent approach to sourcing.
Detailed Requirements for Tirumala and Local Temples
The TTD, which administers the revered Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala and over 60 temples across India, has outlined specific cloth needs. For the Tirumala temple alone, the trust requires approximately 65 pure zari Melchat and Uttariyam vastram sets, along with 1,080 pure zari Pattu sarees (handloom). Annually, the local temples under TTD's purview need:
- 320 Melchat and Uttariyam vastram sets
- 128 nine-yard Pattu sarees
- 300 six-yard silk sarees (handloom)
Additionally, the TTD requires bulk quantities for other items, including about 36,000 silk dupattas (powerloom), 60,000 polyester dupattas, 10.8 lakh cotton upper cloth pieces, and around 9 lakh cotton blouse pieces.
Multi-Vendor Strategy with APCO and Co-Optex
To mitigate risks and ensure uninterrupted supply, TTD has adopted a multi-vendor approach. The order has been placed with the Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Limited (APCO) and the Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers Society (Co-Optex) in a 50:50 ratio. This strategy is designed to prevent disruptions, even if one vendor fails to meet supply timelines.
TTD Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary conducted a series of meetings with representatives from both organizations, who agreed to supply the required materials at competitive rates. This move follows recommendations from Dr S Arun Kumar, the nodal officer to TTD, who has been instrumental in streamlining procurement processes.
Focus on Quality and Tradition
The TTD is now considering direct procurement of high-quality Melchat Vastrams and Uttariyams from empanelled producer companies. These items, meant to be adorned to Lord Venkateswara, must adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Agama Shastras and TTD specifications. A pilot project on these vastrams has already been completed, paving the way for this enhanced procurement method.
Moreover, the temple trust is addressing requests from donor devotees who wish to donate Melchat Vastrams and Uttariyams for Lord Balaji. TTD has decided to consider such donations, but only after stringent testing and verification by the nodal officer to ensure compliance with all specifications.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
This procurement initiative marks a proactive step by TTD to enhance transparency and accountability in its operations. By engaging reputable cooperatives and implementing rigorous quality checks, the trust aims to restore confidence among devotees and stakeholders, moving past the previous scandals.
