K M Dayashankar
Two Laddus for token-less pilgrims to curtail middlemen menace
Daily 3.5 lakh Laddus were distributed to pilgrims
TIRUMALA, SEPTEMBER 02, 2024: Asserting that the Tirupati Laddu is considered a sacred Prasadam and not a status symbol, TTD executive Officer J Syamala Rao affirmed that the new policy of issuing two Laddus besides one free laddu on submission of Aadhar card is taken in the larger interests of the common pilgrims with a noble intention on curtailing the black marketing of Laddus by some middlemen.
The TTD EO was talking to newsmen along with Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdhary, CVSO Sridhar in Tirumala on Sunday evening. Speaking on the occasion, he cleared the misconceptions making rounds on various media platforms that threw devotees into chaos on the new policy of issuing two Laddus to token-less devotees on validation of their Aadhar card.
Elaborating further, the EO said, in our investigations, we observed that a few people have taken even 1,000 plus Laddus and distributed them in marriage at a city. “Laddu should be treated as holy prasadam and not a s sweet. We noticed that a few middlemen were carrying Laddus in several bags. Actually, as per the policy, Laddus should be given to the pilgrims who have darshan tokens who get one laddu for free and sufficient Laddus in large numbers at Rs 50 each. But, we found many who were void of any darshan tickets, buying these Laddus in large numbers and selling them in the black market. A few contract employees were also involved in this misappropriation. We have the data of such employees, who are involved in this mischief and we will take action against them”, he stated.
Adding further, he said, it was also noticed that out of 3.5 lakh Laddus produced every day, around one lakh were being purchased by those who have no darshan tokens. So we have linked this Aadhar card system to the tokenless devotees. Since we have been getting many requests from the TTD information centres located at many important cities across the country to increase the quota of Laddus being provided to them, we are contemplating to enhance the same also’, he pointed out.
The EO also briefed that in the last two and half months several pilgrim initiatives have been taken that included enhancing the quality and taste of Annaprasadam, Laddu Prasadams, continuous supply of Annaprasadam, milk to the pilgrims waiting in Vaikuntam queue complex and outside lines, improving the sanitation and many such pro-pilgrim activities.
Reiterating the EO also urged the devotees not to believe the false rumours being spread by various media platforms on the new Laddu policy. “Because of this system, there will not be any issue to the common pilgrims but middlemen menace will be put to an end”, he asserted.
