The Tirumala‑Tirupati Devasthanams board has overhauled its donor privilege policy, appointed 791 honorary Vedic scholars, and cleared several large‑scale pilgrim infrastructure projects. The initiatives aim to boost transparency, preserve Vedic traditions, and modernize facilities for devotees.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Revised donor policy effective midnight
  • Appointment of 791 honorary Vedic scholars
  • Major green‑energy and infrastructure projects approved

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board met on Tuesday and approved a suite of strategic decisions that will reshape the management of donations and upgrade pilgrim amenities across Tirumala and Ontimitta. Central to the agenda were a revised donor‑privilege policy, the induction of 791 honorary Vedic scholars under the Veda Parayanam Scheme, and a slate of high‑value infrastructure projects.

Revised Donor‑Privilege Policy

Board Chairman B. R. Naidu and Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra announced that the new donor policy will take effect at midnight on July 14. While the revised framework introduces stricter transparency and uniformity across all TTD trusts and schemes, existing donors will retain the benefits already granted to them. The policy overhaul is intended to streamline donation tracking, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and foster greater donor confidence.

Infrastructure Investments for Devotees

Key allocations include ₹6.31 crore for permanent shelters, queue‑line systems, and sanitation facilities near Alwar Tank for devotees holding SSD tokens. A two‑lane bridge to improve access to the Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara dams has been earmarked with ₹2.77 crore. In a landmark green‑energy initiative, the Board cleared an 800‑kW wind turbine generator near GNC, funded by Vish Wind Infrastructure, to supply uninterrupted power to TTD for the next 25 years.

Environmental, Safety and Cultural Projects

Environmental remediation receives a boost with ₹5 crore allocated for scientific bio‑remediation and bio‑mining of legacy solid waste at Kakula Manutippa. Fire‑safety system maintenance across TTD temples and guest houses will be supported by ₹2.35 crore. Additionally, twelve aging structures adjacent to the TBC and ATC guest houses will be replaced with donor‑funded buildings.

Pilgrim‑Centric Development

Tenders worth ₹17.84 crore were cleared for a 100‑room pilgrim rest house at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Ontimitta. The Board also approved the use of one kilogram of gold from the TTD treasury to craft gold kavachams for the temple’s presiding deities. Land acquisition for widening the northeastern Mada Street and enhancing pilgrim amenities has been sanctioned with ₹2.11 crore, while development works at the Sri Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple in Tirupati will receive ₹2.50 crore.

Preserving Vedic Heritage

Reaffirming its commitment to Vedic traditions, the Board appointed 791 honorary Vedic scholars to ensure uninterrupted recitation of all four Vedas in TTD temples and prominent shrines across Andhra Pradesh. Enhanced remuneration for artists engaged in religious and cultural projects, the upgrade of 65 canteen posts to Catering Supervisor roles, and additional infrastructure at the Tirumala Octopus Base Camp were also approved. Finally, the Board green‑lit the printing of the 2027 TTD diaries and calendars, cementing a comprehensive vision for the year ahead.