Dharma Prachara Mandali hard-pressed for funds

Chittoor: The TTD has constituted Dharma Prachara Mandali in which 42 members from Chittoor district are representing. The
responsibilities of the members of TTD Dharama Prachara Mandali are to propagate the activities of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams like
Managudi, Bhakthi Sangeetham, Hari Katha and cultural programmes. The Dharma Prachara Mandali is headed by K Bhaskar, Joint
Executive Officer, TTD, is reportedly turning a blind eye towards the problems of Dharma Prachara Mandali members.

In fact, these 42 members of Dharma Prachara Mandali have to tour all the villages in the district in order to cover 10,000 temples of all
categories. Under Managudi programme, these members have to carry the Managudi bags and hand over them to the temple priests. It is
regretted that TTD has made it very clear that no honorarium or incentive or daily allowance would be paid to the members of
Dharma Prachara Mandali at any level as they are supposed to work free of cost.

As a result, it became difficult for the members to visit temples to organise spiritual and cultural activities of the TTD, it is learnt .

Speaking to The Hans India, J Ravi Naidu, general secretary, District Dharma Prachara Mandali, said: “Though we are working in TTD,
we did not have identity cards or appointment letters. We are serving Lord Venkateswara without having any privilege from the TTD.
The TTD is not interested to treat us on par with regular employees or workers. But, we are confident that TTD would certainly consider
our services in due course.”

Number of representations were given to the TTD to issue at least TTD identify cards to the members of Dharma Prachara Mandali, but
in vain , he said.