Why Did TTD Suspend Four Employees Over Religious Violations?
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Synopsis
The suspension of four TTD employees for practicing non-Hindu faith raises questions about religious freedom and employment rights within faith-based institutions in India. As public discussions unfold, the TTD's stringent adherence to its spiritual ethos becomes a focal point.
Key Takeaways
- Four TTD employees suspended for practicing non-Hindu faith.
- Strict adherence to Hindu tenets mandated for TTD staff.
- Suspension has sparked debate on religious freedom in public institutions.
- Union Minister has called for removal of non-Hindu employees.
- Discussion on the balance between employment rights and religious guidelines.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken the significant step of suspending four employees after receiving allegations that they were adhering to a faith outside of Hinduism, which breaches the organization’s code of conduct.
A statement from the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of TTD revealed that the suspended individuals — B. Elizer (Deputy Executive Engineer, Quality Control), S. Rosi (Staff Nurse, BIRRD Hospital), M. Premavathi (Grade-I Pharmacist, BIRRD Hospital), and Dr. G. Asunta (SV Ayurvedic Pharmacy) — faced this action following an internal investigation.
The TTD, which oversees the esteemed Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, maintains a stringent code of conduct for its employees, especially those engaged in religious or related duties. This code stipulates that all personnel must adhere to the principles of the Hindu faith in both conduct and practice.
This decision came after a vigilance report raised concerns about the employees’ religious affiliations. An internal inquiry subsequently verified that the suspended individuals were indeed practicing a faith outside of Hinduism, which constituted a violation of institutional policy.
“The employees behaved irresponsibly while carrying out their responsibilities in a Hindu religious organization,” stated the CPRO.
After reviewing evidence and the vigilance department's findings, “departmental action was implemented as per regulations, resulting in the immediate suspension of the four employees,” the statement continued.
The suspension has ignited discussions regarding the limits of religious freedom within faith-based institutions that are publicly funded or managed.
While TTD has not provided further comments, officials have suggested that adherence to the institution's spiritual ethos is essential for its staff.
This incident may provoke broader debates about employment rights versus religious guidelines within India’s temple administration frameworks.
It is noteworthy that on July 11, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar urged TTD to dismiss non-Hindus from their workforce at Tirumala, asserting that over 1,000 non-Hindus are currently employed by TTD.
“Why are more than 1,000 non-Hindus still employed at TTD? Would Hindus ever be hired in mosques or churches? This isn’t about hate - it’s about dharma. TTD must not become a platform for appeasement politics,” declared Sanjay Kumar on X, a Lok Sabha member representing Karimnagar in Telangana.
Point of View
It is important to recognize that the TTD's actions reflect a commitment to its religious principles, yet they also raise essential questions about the intersection of employment rights and religious identity in India. This matter deserves careful consideration to ensure a fair dialogue between institutional guidelines and individual freedoms.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the employees suspended?
The employees were suspended for practicing a non-Hindu faith, which violated the TTD's code of conduct.
What is the code of conduct at TTD?
The TTD's code of conduct requires employees to adhere to the tenets of the Hindu faith in both conduct and practice.
What implications does this suspension have?
The suspension raises discussions about the balance of religious freedom and employment rights within publicly funded faith-based institutions.
What did Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar say about this issue?
Bandi Sanjay Kumar urged TTD to remove non-Hindus from employment and highlighted that over 1,000 non-Hindus are still working there.
How has TTD responded to the situation?
TTD has reiterated the importance of adherence to its spiritual ethos for all staff but has not provided further comments on the suspension.
