The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : New authority to take over TTD administration

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Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

New authority to take over TTD administration

Special Correspondent

The duration of specified authority for TTD cannot exceed one year; Board's term ending today

– Photo: K.V. Poornachandra Kumar

gearing up for fete: TTD Chairman D.K. Audikesavulu releasing ‘Srivari Brahmotsavam' posters in Tirumala on Monday.

HYDERABAD: An announcement is expected on Tuesday by the government on the composition of the specified authority for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) in place of the current Board whose tenure ends on Tuesday.

With the Cabinet deciding to constitute the specified authority in place of TTD Board on August 19, it was expected that its composition would not be held up till the last moment.

But following the meeting TTD Board Chairman Adikeshavulu Naidu had with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, reportedly to request for a second term on the day Cabinet decision was announced, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah is apparently awaiting word from the high command.

Meanwhile, different reports are doing the rounds about who would head the authority. However, going by the past precedent, it would be a three-member authority comprising a Chairman, an Executive Officer and a Member-Secretary.

In 2006, when specified authority was constituted, it was chaired by D. C. Rosaiah, Secretary, Revenue (Endowments).

But, the government is not bound to go by precedent. It may choose an officer of the rank of Special Chief Secretary to be chairman of the specified authority while the remaining Members can be of Principal Secretary rank. The duration of the specified authority cannot exceed one year under Sec.137 of Endowments Act, it is said.

The specified authority is constituted during extraordinary circumstances and the present situation demands one, sources say with TTD board drawing flak from people and political parties over allegations of irregularities in ‘Arjita Seva' scheme and misappropriation of funds marring the sanctity of the temple.

Padayatras

The padayatras by TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu and Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi focusing on cleansing of TTD Board and the report submitted by the Vigilance and Enforcement Authorities which inquired into the Arjita Seva scam have and internal squabbles among Board members only strengthened the case for appointing a specified authority to streamline the TTD administration and respect the sentiments of devotees, sources said.

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