Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams trust board chaired by B R Naidu is said to be focussing on overhauling the Sri Venkateshwara Bhakti Channel, which has allegedly become a rehabilitation centre for politically-appointed people over the years.
A report submitted by a Hyderabad-based expert committee to the TTD has revealed serious irregularities in the SVBC including low work output, excess staff — many of whom lack experience — and poor utilization of funds.
Among the 220 employees, only about 60 are reportedly fulfilling their duties, while the rest are drawing monthly salaries ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000 without contributing meaningfully.
The report criticizes the wasteful spending of devotees’ donations and the unnecessary expansion of staff.
A review meeting was held at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala based on the findings.
TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Shyamala Rao, Additional EO C.H. Venkayya Chowdary, and experts like Srinivasan and Padmavati were present.
They discussed ways to revamp the SVBC to make it a role model among devotional channels, with improved content quality and accountability.
The expert committee conducted a 3-day in-depth probe into SVBC’s functioning. Their findings addressed program quality, administration, staff efficiency, and misuse of funds under the guise of devotional activities.
According to the report, during the previous YSRCP government, a key official unofficially controlled SVBC, diverting crores of rupees meant for devotional programs.
The TTD is preparing to implement strict reforms, including redesigning the channel for national recognition, preventing further misuse of funds, appointing experienced supervisors for better administration.
