Cyber security laboratory soon in Tirumala, says TTD Chairman

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will soon be setting up a state-of-the-art cyber security lab to tackle cybercrimes related to fake darshan tickets and accommodation in Tirumala.

Terming it as an effort to save the devotees from online frauds and enhance transparency in the administration, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu told the media on Wednesday that the management had identified over 30,000 fake websites and lodged complaints against them.

He said the lab woud help identify and prevent online scams and ensure a safer experience for the devotees.

Quality food

Detailing various developmental activities taken up during his tenure, Mr. Naidu said, besides improving the quality of food served under the ‘annadanam’, a food quality testing laboratory equipped with advanced equipment to detect adulteration had also been set up in Tirumala.

He asserted that not a single incident of misappropriation of temple funds had been reported so far during his nine-month stint, which vindicated his commitment to transparency.

“Having witnessed the ordeals of the pilgrims in the queue lines, I have never fully utilised the privilege of granting darshan tickets under the discretionary quota bestowed on me,” he said.

Devotees’ feedback

To further enhance facilities in Tirumala, the TTD was also recording suggestions from the devotees in its ‘feedback’ register, suggesting its resolve to attach more priority to common pilgrims.

The TTD had constructed Lord Venkateswara temples in over nine States, with deliberations underway with other State government.

He said employees belonging to alien faiths would be weeded out in a phased manner, with options for transfer to other government organisations or Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).

‘Allegations baseless’

Mr. Naidu also stoutly refuted the allegations leveled against him by former TTD Chairman B. Karunakar Reddy, and said he would not remain silent in the face of baseless mudslinging.

“I have not resorted to any kind of irregularity during my stint,” he said, and challenged for a debate on the subject. Mr. Naidu said he was ready to prove the misappropriations that had been committed during Mr. Karunakar Reddy’s term.