TTD AEO suspended for attending church prayers every Sunday in Puttur
TTD transferred at least 18 employees including teachers, technical officers, nurses, and officers for participating in non-Hindu religious activities in the past
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (File Photo)
Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) A Rajasekhar Babu after it emerged that he was attending church prayers, an act deemed a violation of the temple bodyās norms.
Regular church attendance in Puttur
According to TTD, Rajasekhar Babu had been participating in church prayers every Sunday in his hometown, Puttur, located in Tirupati district. The suspension was enforced after the TTD Vigilance Department submitted a report supported by evidence of his activities.
Breach of employee code
āIt is nothing but a violation of TTD norms. He has not followed the code of conduct of the organisation and has acted irresponsibly as an employee representing a Hindu religious institution,ā TTD said in its statement.
Following a departmental enquiry, action was taken against him under the applicable service rules, leading to his suspension with immediate effect.
Earlier disciplinary action against 18 employees
In February this year, TTD initiated disciplinary action against 18 employees for practising non-Hindu religious customs and traditions. This move came after TTD Board Chairman B.R. Naidu reiterated that only Hindus should work in institutions managed by the temple trust.
Employees barred from religious duties
Those facing action included six teachers, a deputy executive officer (Welfare), an assistant executive officer, an assistant technical officer (Electrical), a hostel worker, two electricians, and two nurses.
TTD ordered that these employees should not be posted in Tirumala, any temple under its management, or in roles linked to religious programmes. Immediate transfers were directed for those already serving in such posts.
Furthermore, the employees were barred from participating in any religious functions or programmes organised by TTD.
Rule cited for disciplinary action
TTDās actions are in line with Rule 9 (vi) of GO No. 1060 issued by the Revenue Department (Endowments) on October 24, 1989, which requires that temple employees uphold Hindu dharma and traditions, as pledged before Lord Venkateswara during their induction.