Showing its resolve to cleanse the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in the wake several allegations of irregularities, the government has constituted a Specified Authority on Tuesday with Dr. J. Satyanarayana, Special Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, as its Chairman.
The three-member Authority would replace the TTD Board whose term ended on Tuesday.
The other two members of the authority are TTD Executive Officer I.Y.R. Krishna Rao and V. Nagireddy, Managing Director of AP Industrial Development Corporation (APIDC). Both the Members are IAS officers of the rank of Principal Secretary.
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The decision was taken by Chief Minister K. Rosaiah late on Tuesday evening.
Though there were reports that TTD Board Chairman D.K. Adikeshavulu was trying for another term, the government stood by the Cabinet's decision to appoint a Specified Authority in the wake of unprecedented allegations of irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the TTD that caused anguish to devotees and hurt their sentiments.
The TTD Board had also drawn flak in the recent months for various serious lapses including ‘Arjita Seva' scam, misuse of discretionary quota for VIP break darshan, missing of valuable jewellery among other things.
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The Specified Authority constituted only in extraordinary circumstances is entrusted with the responsibility to set right the TTD administration, plug loopholes to eliminate malpractices and protect the sanctity of the Tirumala temple, the abode of Lord Venkateswara which draws lakhs of devotees from across the globe.
Punitive action
The recent report submitted by the Vigilance & Enforcement Department which inquired into the ‘Arjita Seva' scam naming 55 persons as accused, including scores of TTD employees also hastened the constitution of the Specified Authority.
It recommended punitive action against some employees and it is now for the TTD Specified Authority to act.