The government’s goal is to develop temples and restore the faith of devotees.
Amaravati/Atmakur, June 22 (Punnami Representative): In the two years since the NDA coalition government came to power in the state, radical changes have been brought in the endowment department and steps have been taken to develop Andhra Pradesh as a new spiritual center, said State Endowment Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy. The minister released the departmental two-year progress report at a high-level media conference held at the Secretariat on Monday. Details were revealed on the development of temples, conservation of lands, welfare of priests and Vedic scholars, job recruitment, and arrangements for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaram.
The minister alleged that there were many shortcomings in the endowment department during the previous government. He said that his government has taken steps to restore the faith of devotees by improving the administration of temples. The minister said that this is the first government in his political career that has given special priority to the welfare of temples. He said that most of the promises made by the coalition government in the manifesto regarding the endowment department have been implemented through the Jivos.
Small temples, preference for Vedic scholars
The minister said that the funds for incense offerings have been increased for small temples with an income of less than Rs. 50 thousand. He said that cash is being directly deposited every month to the priests of thousands of temples across the state. He said that the honorarium of Vedic scholars is being increased and they are being given further encouragement.
Measures to protect temple lands
The minister said that special steps are being taken to protect the lands and properties of temples under the purview of the Endowment Department. He revealed that coordination committees have been formed with the police department for temple security. He said that the interference of officials in the worship practices and Agama traditions of temples has been reduced and priority has been given to Vedic staff.
Preparations for the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram
The Minister announced that the Godavari Pushkaram will be held from June 26 to July 7, 2027. He said that special committees have been formed for the arrangements for the Pushkaram and special attention has been paid to the construction of ghats, sanitation and facilities for devotees. He stated that the reconstruction work of temples in the Godavari catchment areas will be completed within the stipulated time.
Use of modern technology in TTD
The minister said that artificial intelligence-based systems have been introduced at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to improve the management of devotees’ crowding, security, and sanitation. Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy clarified that the temples are being developed not just as places of worship but as social and cultural centers. Senior officials of the Endowment Department participated in this meeting.