TTD Unveils Digital E-Procurement Platform to Revolutionize Rs 700 Crore Annual Purchases
In a landmark move aimed at modernizing its procurement systems, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is set to launch a comprehensive digital e-procurement platform for the first time. This initiative is designed to streamline the procurement processes involved in the purchase of materials worth approximately Rs 700 crore annually, bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to the operations of the revered temple trust.
Addressing Procurement Challenges and Enhancing Transparency
The decision to implement this digital platform comes in the wake of the recent laddu-ghee adulteration procurement controversy, which highlighted significant flaws in the existing procurement systems. In response, TTD has embarked on a series of long-term measures to overhaul these processes and eliminate vulnerabilities.
TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary has been instrumental in driving this transformation. He held extensive consultations with Government of India officials who played pivotal roles in the launch of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Leveraging their expertise, TTD is developing its own dedicated e-marketplace portal.
This portal will serve as a direct platform for reputed vendors from across the country to sell their quality produce directly to TTD in a fully transparent manner. By digitizing the procurement process, the trust aims to create a level playing field and ensure that only the highest quality materials are sourced for its sacred offerings.
Annual Procurement Scale and Essential Commodities
Speaking to The Times of India, Chowdary provided detailed insights into the scale of TTD's procurement operations. The trust expends approximately Rs 700 crore annually and procures more than 70 essential items. Among these, close to 30 major commodities are critical for the preparation of the sacred laddu and other annaprasadams.
Key commodities include:
- Ghee
- Bengal gram dal
- Jaggery
- Cashews and almonds
- Raisins
- Cardamom and black pepper
These ingredients are integral to the prasadams offered at the Tirumala temple, underscoring the importance of maintaining stringent quality standards.
Stringent Quality Controls and Expert Recommendations
To ensure the highest quality of procured commodities, TTD has implemented rigorous measures based on the recommendations of an expert committee. This committee comprised distinguished members such as Dr C Anandha Rama Krishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST; N Purna Chandra Rao, Joint Food Controller of the Government of Andhra Pradesh; and Dr D Usha Rani, Senior Principal Scientist from CSIR-CFTRI.
Since June of last year, TTD has strictly enforced all necessary FSSAI specifications for the procurement of commodities used in sacred prasadams. According to revised guidelines, all tenderers are now required to submit lab reports from NABL-accredited and FSSAI-notified labs, along with their tender documents.
Chowdary emphasized that the new e-procurement portal is designed to balance ease of procurement with uncompromising quality parameters. "To balance ease of procurement without compromising on the quality parameters, TTD will soon launch its own e-procurement portal," he asserted.
Combating Corruption and Ensuring Accountability
The upcoming e-procurement portal is not just about efficiency; it is also a strategic tool to address persistent issues of corruption and lack of transparency. By enabling vendors from across India to apply for TTD contracts digitally, the trust aims to eliminate loopholes and foster a culture of accountability.
Chowdary added, "We are trying to plug all possible loopholes in the procurement systems by enabling the vendors from all over the country to apply for TTD contracts digitally in an utterly transparent manner." This digital shift is expected to minimize human intervention, reduce the risk of malpractices, and ensure that procurement decisions are based solely on merit and compliance with quality standards.
The launch of TTD's e-procurement platform marks a significant step towards modernizing the trust's operations, aligning with global best practices in procurement management. It reflects a commitment to upholding the sanctity of the temple's offerings while embracing technological advancements for greater efficiency and integrity.
