Following the directions of TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated disciplinary action against 18 employees for adhering to non-Hindu religious practices while working in the institution. The employees, including staff from various sectors, were found participating in non-Hindu religious activities despite being sworn to follow Hindu traditions.

The employees identified for the disciplinary action include six teachers at various educational institutes run by TTD, a deputy executive officer (Welfare), an assistant executive officer, an assistant technical officer (electrical), a hostel worker, two electricians, and two nurses. The employees found to have violated the oath taken when joining the institution have also been transferred from their positions.

According to an official order issued by TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao, dated February 1, the employees will not be posted at any religiously sensitive places within Tirumala or at any temple managed by TTD. "If any one of the above employees presently working in the above said posts/places, transfer them from such religiously sensitive places immediately," the order read.

The employees include Dr K.V. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, a professor at the S.V. Ayurvedic College at Tirupati, K. Sujatha and G. Asuntha, lecturer and principal at the SPW Degree and PG College at Tirupati, K. Prathap, lecturer at SGS Arts College, K Manekshaw Dayan, lecturer at S.V. Arts College; and Dr Renu Dixit, Principal of the S.V. Ayurvedic College at Tirupati.

The 18 employees have also been barred from participating in religious functions of the TTD.

According to the order, these employees had taken an oath before Lord Venkateswara to follow Hindu dharma and traditions. The oath, in line with Rule 9 (vi) issued in GO No. 1060 by the Revenue Department (Endowments) on October 24, 1989, committed the employees to follow Hindu religious practices and respect the values of the temple. However, these employees were found secretly engaging in non-Hindu practices, which contradicted the values expected from TTD staff.

In the order, TTD reaffirmed its dedication to the values set forth centuries ago, stating, “As dedicated servants of Lord Venkateswara Swamy and the esteemed TTD, all the employees are committed to maintaining the sanctity of the Temple by upholding the traditions and values that have been followed for centuries.”