TTD warns of strict action against erring health personnel

TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary.
| Photo Credit: File Photo

In a move to curb alleged corruption, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary has issued a stern warning to health officials, cautioning them of strict action if found involved in irregularities.

Responding to recent allegations that certain Health Department personnel were extorting large sums of money from local hoteliers on the pretext of inspections, Mr. Chowdary asserted that action would be taken against the guilty, regardless of their rank or tenure.

In a series of meetings held with the department personnel, he directed officials to expedite the renewal of D&O trade licence for all eligible and licensed hoteliers, and clear all pending applications without delay.

The directive comes in the wake of mounting accusations against a few health officials and staff for misusing recent TTD mandates aimed at ensuring hygienic and quality food for pilgrims.

While the management has been pushing for higher standards among food vendors, some long-serving personnel reportedly exploited the situation to demand bribes, issuing arbitrary notices and citing fabricated violations when their demands were not met.

These allegations, widely reported in a section of the media, prompted the TTD administration to intervene and implement stringent corrective measures.

Reacting to the firm stance taken by the senior management, the health officials initiated steps to regularise pending licence renewals and streamline the approval process.

While reiterating the TTD’s commitment to food safety and hygiene, Mr. Chowdary emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the department’s functioning and further instructed officials to ensure fair practices, while maintaining the standards expected by the TTD.