'Retire Or Transfer': Tirupati Temple Board's Ultimatum For Employees Who Joined 'Non-Hindu Practices'

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has initiated action against 18 employees for participating in non-Hindu religious activities. The workers have been asked to apply for voluntary retirement or be transferred to various government departments. Directions from the TTD board indicate that they will face further action if they fail to comply with one of the two options.

Action has been taken against 18 non-Hindu employees who have been following separate practices - despite taking an oath to uphold and follow the Hindu faith when they joined. According to reports, the group remains barred from taking part in religious activities of the temple ahead of their potential retirement or transfer. The TTD board contended that its decision aligned with efforts to maintain the 'spiritual sanctity' of its temples and religious activities.

“Authorities have identified 18 employees who, despite being employed by TTD, are following non-Hindu religious traditions. Orders have been issued for disciplinary action against 18 identified employees who are participating in non-Hindu religious activities while also taking part in TTD festivals and rituals,” read an official statement.

Earlier, in November 2024, the TTD board also passed another resolution which requires non-Hindus employed by the board to either take voluntary retirement or opt for a transfer to other government departments in Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to ANI, the TTD chairman said, "I moved the resolution in the Board yesterday. The Board has unanimously accepted. We have identified some people (staff at TTD), non-Hindus...I wanted to meet those people personally and I would request them to take VRS. If they are not interested, we will transfer or maybe grant deputation to other government departments, like Revenue or Municipality or any Corporation. So, that is our intention."

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