Tirupati, February 5: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated action against 18 employees for failing to adhere to Hindu religious practices while participating in TTD festivals and rituals. According to a statement from TTD, the action was taken under the direction of TTD Chairman BR Naidu. "Following the directions of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated action against employees adhering to non-Hindu religious practices while working in the institution," the statement read.

"Authorities have identified 18 employees who, despite being employed by TTD, are following non-Hindu religious traditions. Orders have been issued for disciplinary action against 18 identified employees who are participating in non-Hindu religious activities while also taking part in TTD festivals and rituals," added the statement. Ratha Saptami 2025: Tirumala Radiates With Light, Floral Decor as City Gears Up for Grand 'Ratha Saptami' Celebrations at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati.

Apart from that, as part of the decision to preserve the spiritual integrity of TTD's operations, the Board has proposed transfers to other government departments or voluntary retirement for these employees. "The TTD Board has recently resolved to either transfer such employees to government departments or facilitate their exit through the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). This decision aligns with TTD's commitment to preserving the spiritual sanctity of its temples and religious activities," mentioned the TTD statement. Tirupati Temple Fire: Blaze Erupts in Laddu Prasadam Distribution Area at Tirumala Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh (Watch Video).

Earlier, in November 2024, the TTD board also passed another resolution which requires non-Hindus employed by the board to either take voluntary retirement or opt for a transfer to other government departments in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to ANI, the TTD chairman said, "I moved the resolution in the Board yesterday. The Board has unanimously accepted. We have identified some people (staff at TTD), non-Hindus...I wanted to meet those people personally and I would request them to take VRS. If they are not interested, we will transfer or maybe grant deputation to other government departments, like Revenue or Municipality or any Corporation. So, that is our intention."

The board has also passed a resolution prohibiting political statements within Tirumala, stating that legal action will be taken against violators as well as those who propagate them.TTD maintains 12 temples and sub-shrines, and employs over 14,000 people.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)