TTD contemplates corpus fund for managing temples under its umbrella

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is contemplating creating an exclusive corpus fund for the management of “local temples” falling under the TTD umbrella to ensure their proper upkeep and hassle-free infusion of funds.

The TTD’s temples, other than the Tirumala shrine, are collectively called “local temples.”

At a review meeting with officials here on Tuesday, Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal discussed the annual ‘hundi’ income and expenses of the affiliated and local temples, where enough focus was laid on the temples operating within their budget and those incurring expenses exceeding their income.

It was in this context that he mooted the idea of creating a corpus fund for the management of each temple, the daily maintenance, repairs and other general expenses, which could be met from the interest accrued from the corpus fund. However, major repairs and annual festivals should be considered as capital expenditure, which should be met from the TTD’s general funds.

Apart from the general account created for each temple, Mr. Singhal also instructed the officials concerned to open an exclusive account for the ‘Annadanam’ (free meal) programme run in the temples. The meeting also discussed steps to improve queue lines, CCTV network, security, transportation and traffic maintenance of the local temples.

“A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) should be in place for the efficient performance of duty by the employees and to ensure smooth conduct of the events,” he said, emphasising the need for robust implementation of the QR code system to facilitate donations in every temple.

Joint Executive Officer V. Veerabrahmam, Financial Adviser & Chief Accounts Officer O. Balaji and Chief Engineer T.V. Satyanarayana took part.