The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has ordered disciplinary action against 18 non-Hindu employees working in various TTD-run institutions for continuing to participate in non-Hindu religious activities.
In an order dated February 1, which surfaced on Wednesday, TTD Chief Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao directed disciplinary action against these employees to curb their involvement in non-Hindu religious practices.
The employees in question, reportedly Christians, hold various positions, including lecturers, hostel workers, office subordinates, engineers, helpers, nurses, and other paramedical staff in TTD-run colleges, hospitals, and engineering wings.
The order instructed the concerned authorities to verify their current postings and ensure they are not assigned to Tirumala, any temple, or any religious programme-related duties.
"If any of the above employees are currently working in such posts or locations, they must be immediately transferred from these religiously sensitive areas," the Executive Officer (EO) stated.
Additionally, heads of various TTD institutions have been instructed not to assign these employees to any temple-related duties, religious processions, programs, fairs, or festivals of TTD-run temples.
The order further emphasized that all TTD employees are expected to uphold the sanctity of the temple by maintaining its traditions, values, and the sentiments of devotees.
"However, it has been established that these 18 TTD employees have been practicing and participating in non-Hindu religious activities, despite taking an oath before the image and idol of Lord Venkateswara to follow Hindu dharma and traditions. They had also sworn not to engage in non-Hindu religious activities, in accordance with Endowment rules," the order stated.
