TTD’s key departments await full-time chiefs
TTD administrative building in Tirupati
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) faces critical operational challenges as key departments, including IT and SVBC, struggle with severe staff shortages and a lack of permanent leadership.
Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) continues to modernise its services through technology, but three of its key departments are functioning without permanent heads, even as the IT wing struggles with an acute staff shortage and mounting operational challenges.
Information Technology (IT) wing, Sri Venkateswara Employees Training Academy (SVETA) and Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC) are all being managed by officials holding additional charge, with regular appointments yet to be made.
Among them, IT department has drawn the most attention. The post of General Manager has remained vacant since the transfer of former IT chief LM Sandeep, with Deputy General Manager Venkateswarulu Naidu currently overseeing the department.
The vacancy comes at a time when TTD is expanding digital services for devotees and the State government is encouraging greater use of technology in governance. The IT wing is responsible for supporting online darshan bookings, accommodation, sevas and a wide range of administrative functions across the temple trust.
Officials say the department is battling a severe manpower shortage. It is expected to provide technical support to front-office operations in Tirumala and 13 affiliated temples, besides handling back-office services for departments such as engineering, vigilance, accounts, transport, education, hospitals and procurement. However, only nine IT personnel are stationed in Tirumala and another nine in Tirupati, leaving the department stretched.
Sources said one officer is handling six major responsibilities. Although around 30 technical posts, including Deputy General Manager, Assistant General Manager, network engineers and hardware engineers, were sanctioned and entrusted to Andhra Pradesh Technology Services (APTS) for recruitment, the hiring process is yet to be completed. The shortage has increased workload on Data Processing Officers, who supervise both hardware and software systems while also coordinating operations at nearly 62 laddu distribution counters. Frequent technical glitches have further added to the department’s burden.
Cyber fraud has emerged as another major concern. Fraudsters are allegedly creating fake websites offering darshan tickets, accommodation and sevas, exploiting devotees unfamiliar with official booking platforms. Vigilance officials have been blocking such portals, but new websites reportedly appear soon after the old ones are taken down, making it a persistent challenge. Former TTD Executive Officer LV Subramanyam, who also served as Chief Secretary in 2019, said TTD is a globally significant institution where every department plays a crucial role in serving devotees.
Prolonged vacancies in key leadership positions, he observed, could affect the efficiency of departments responsible for technology, training and public outreach.
SVETA, which trains TTD employees, is functioning without a regular Director, with Assistant Public Relations Officer Vema Rathnam holding additional charge. Likewise, SVBC has no permanent Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
