The State government owes ₹1. 19 crore to the TTD towards the expenses incurred by the later in meeting the requirements of the VIPs visiting the sacred town.
For the records, the TTD bears all the expenses of the ‘state guests’ visiting the town for the ‘darshan’ of the presiding deity — Lord Venkateswara — and later submits the bills to the government for reimbursement. Constitutional heads like the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, Chief Election Commissioner, Union Ministers, Judges of the Apex Court, Chief Justices of various High courts, Governors, Chief Ministers and Ministers belonging to the State (Andhra Pradesh) are a few among others designated as ‘state guests’ by the General Administration Department (GAD).
The GAD sends a letter of correspondence to the TTD as well as the district and the police administrations listing out the priorities to be extended to the visiting dignitary (subject to his/her stature) whenever there is any visit by a ‘state guest’ to the sacred town.
Even though most of the dignitaries tend to pay the amounts with regard to the purchase of ‘darshan’ tickets and ‘laddu prasadam’ from their own pockets the outstanding dues mostly relate to the expenses incurred towards the accommodation, food and other related disbursals. sA senior official on condition of anonymity said though the management has been sending periodical reminders it is yet to hear any positive ‘word’ from the government since the year 2000.
