Tirumala temple introduces ₹2 lakh life insurance for pilgrims visiting the shrine

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has decided to offer ₹2 lakh as life insurance compensation to families of pilgrims who die of natural causes during their visit to the hill shrine, marking what the temple body describes as the first such initiative in the country.

The TTD Board approved the scheme on Wednesday under the chairmanship of B.R. Naidu, with Executive Officer M. Ravichandra in attendance. The landmark decision was taken ahead of the annual Salakatla Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara as the temple administration braces for a substantial influx of devotees.

Insurance cover expanded for accident deaths

In a parallel move, the Board also raised the accident insurance compensation for families of devotees who die in accidents in Tirumala from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh. The pilgrim insurance initiative marks a notable expansion of the TTD's welfare-oriented approach, extending its institutional responsibility to the financial security of families facing loss of their loved ones during their visit to the sacred hill shrine.

Benefits extended to retired employees

The Board further extended Employee Health Facility (EHF) benefits to retired CPS/NPS pensioners and their families on par with the OPS pensioners, besides approving salary enhancements for 48 SLPMC employees across various TTD departments.

With sanitation and crowd management assuming critical importance during the Brahmotsavams, ₹1.60 crore was sanctioned over three years towards transport charges for additional sanitation personnel. Proposals were also forwarded to the government for 400 additional outsourcing posts to augment laddu production during peak demand.

Biogas plant to process food waste

In another significant move, the Board approved an IOCL proposal to establish a biogas plant using food waste generated at Annaprasadam centres, canteens and hotels. Operation and maintenance of the facility will be entrusted to GPS Renewables at a cost of ₹2.80 crore.

Brahmotsavam preparations in full swing

For the Brahmotsavams, scheduled from September 15 to 23, TTD has planned a buffer stock of 10 lakh laddus a day. Garuda Seva is expected to attract 15, 20% more devotees than the previous year, with arrangements to serve 9.30 lakh devotees with annaprasadam against 6.13 lakh last year.

The festivities will begin with Ankurarpanam on September 14, followed by Dwajarohanam on September 15. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will offer silk garments to Lord Venkateswara on September 15 and participate in Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva.

Among other resolutions, the Board approved gold-plating works at temples in Narayanavanam and Chennai, and extended for three years the licence of the TTD building housing the Telugu and Sanskrit academies in Tirupati.

Source: The Hindu