Tirupati Temple Takes a Stand on Non-Hindu Employees, Sparks Debate

Hyderabad - In a major decision, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has instructed all non-Hindu employees to either seek transfers to other government departments or opt for voluntary retirement. This move aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Act, which mandates that only Hindus should be employed in temple-related roles. The policy is expected to impact nearly 300 of the 7,000 permanent employees working under the TTD administration.  

TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu emphasized the need to uphold the sanctity of the temple by ensuring that only those practicing the Hindu faith are involved in its functioning. He also announced that the board would consult the state government regarding suitable reassignment options for affected employees.  

Supporters of the decision argue that religious institutions must be preserved according to their faith-based traditions. Several employee unions have backed the move, stating that it adheres to legal provisions governing temple administration. However, critics question whether such a directive undermines employment rights and raises concerns about religious inclusivity.  

Beyond this, the TTD has also imposed a ban on political statements within temple premises and introduced new measures to maintain the quality of offerings, such as stricter monitoring of ghee used in the famous laddoo prasadam.