Naidu’s remarks on reducing permanent TTD jobs create flutter in Tirupati

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s recent remark on the need to curtail permanent employment in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and give preference to volunteers for pilgrim-related services has caused a flutter in Tirupati, which has a predominantly temple-dependent economy.

While workers engaged by the TTD on contract and outsourcing basis, and hoping to secure permanent employment, have been left red-faced by the observation, ruling party leaders have also been taken aback by the statement, which came ahead of the ensuing local body elections.

During his recent visit to the Tirumala temple, Mr. Naidu reportedly advised the TTD to reduce its permanent staff and utilise the services of voluntary activists, or Srivari Sevaks.

Srivari Sevaks is a term coined by the TTD for volunteers who agree to perform various duties during their visit to Tirumala, including regulating queue lines, tying garlands and distributing food to devotees waiting in the queues.