Date:08/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/08/stories/2007090854450500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

TTD asked to scrap free laddu scheme

Staff Reporter

Tirumala: A devotee, Nagabhushanam of Kandur, on Friday suggested that the TTD management could scrap the recently introduced ‘free laddu’ system in view of its inherent loopholes and instead utilise the funds so saved for any other useful cause.

Participating in the ‘Dial TTD EO’ programme the devotee said that if necessary the TTD could also fix a nominal price for the free laddu.

Another participant Ramana suggested deploying the Sri Vari Seva volunteers at the Kalyanakatta ( place of tonsuring ) to check unlawful gratifications by the barbers.

TTD Executive officer K.V.Ramanachary who anchored the programme said that he would explore the possibilities.

Venkata Markhandeya Sharma from Bobbili urged the management to initiate necessary steps to check the jostling of the pilgrims at the ‘Dwajasthambham’ located inside the tirumala temple. While Vijaybhaskar from Kadapa urged to provide wheel chairs for the physically challenged pilgrims to enable them visit the Varahaswamy temple situated on the banks of the temple pushkarini. He also wanted more importance to be attached to the literary works of C.P. Brown. Vijayakumar of East Godavari wanted the management to rectify the Vastu defect at Srinivasa Mangapuram temple.

Later, Ramanachary went round the mada streets and supervised the arrangements being made for the grand conduct of the nine-day Brahmotsavams scheduled to commence from September 15.