TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Specified Authority has resolved to request the State Government to enact legislation banning propagation of any religion other than Hinduism at Tirumala. This is in view of the alleged evangelical activities at Tirumala.

At a meeting here on Saturday, the Specified Authority felt that the Government should frame the legislation in such a way that any violation shall attract imprisonment up to two years or fine of Rs. 2,000 or both.

The meeting also urged the Government to bring all the seven hills that form part of the temple town under the TTD management and put at rest the arguments being put forth that only two hills come under the TTD's purview.

Good news for donors

The meeting decided to perform `Varuna Japam' in all drought-hit areas in the State.

`Saptagiri', a monthly being published by the TTD, would be give free of cost to those who donated Rs. 1 lakh for lifetime. Devotees who donated more than Rs.1,000 or had paid for any `arjita seva' (ticket costing more than Rs. 1,000) were entitled to get a free copy of the magazine for a month.

The meeting also approved constitution of a two-member expert committee comprising retired forest officials that would suggest steps for improving greenery in Tirumala forests.

Another major decision taken was to implement Telugu as official language in the TTD.

Takes oath

Earlier in the day, Secretary Endowments (Revenue) Rosaiah took oath as member of the Specified Authority at a brief ceremony organised inside the temple. TTD Executive Officer A.P.V. Narayana Sarma administered the oath.

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