Tirupati: Demand for implementation of RTI Act in TTD

Tirupati: Once again the demand for implementation of RTI Act in TTD becomes subject of discussion among devotees and social activists in the light of Supreme Court's recent approval for RTI Act implementation in CJI office. For the past some years, social activists have been demanding implementation of RTI Act (2005) in TTD related issues.

It may be noted that TTD is being run by the funds donated by devotees and the Board has been spending money for employees' salaries from devotees' contributions only. In fact,the TTD total budget of Rs 3,000 croreper annum is generated from devotees'contributions only. TTD has been rejecting the RTI petitions stating that it is not a public institution.

A case filed by a social activist in this regard has been pending with the AP High Court. With the recent Supreme Court direction, highest authority of judiciary, CJI, also comes under the RTI act.

Some officials of TTD have been objecting to implement RTI Act in TTD due to the fear that details of lavish spending by various institutions of the Board will be exposed through the petitions filed under the Act.

Thousands of crores worth gold and cash were in public sector banks and alsoin some private banks. All the information in TTD was also kept as secret by its officials since long time. Speaking to The Hans India, social activist and Srivaridevoteesconvener P Naveen Kumar Reddy asked the TTD officials why they object to implement RTI Act.