In a bold move to combat corruption and uphold fairness, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended the allocation of Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets to various state tourism corporations. This decision, taken at the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted TTD trust board, aims to curb irregularities and profiteering in the distribution of these tickets.
What Led to the Decision?
The trust board meeting, chaired by Bollineni Rajagopala Naidu, revealed serious allegations of malpractice in the allocation of SED tickets. Daily quotas of 4,000 tickets were previously assigned to state entities such as:
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC)
- Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC)
- Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
- Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC)
These tickets, bundled with travel, accommodation, meals, and darshan services, were found to be grossly misused. Officials and middlemen allegedly diverted tickets to private agencies for financial gain, compromising the sanctity of the darshan process.
Impact on Pilgrims
The suspension has left thousands of devotees frustrated as they now face the challenge of navigating the darshan process independently. For many, the all-inclusive packages provided a hassle-free experience, which is now unavailable.
TTD’s Stance
The TTD emphasized that the decision was necessary to protect the interests of genuine devotees and ensure that darshan tickets are distributed equitably. Officials are exploring alternative methods to streamline the ticketing process and reduce the scope for misuse.
Pilgrim Advisory
Pilgrims planning a visit to Tirumala are advised to stay updated with TTD announcements and make arrangements directly through official channels.
Looking Forward
While this decision may cause temporary inconvenience, it underscores the TTD’s commitment to transparency and fairness in facilitating darshan for devotees. Authorities are expected to announce new measures soon to address the gaps left by the suspension.
Leave a comment