TTD Considers Aadhaar Linking to Prevent Middlemen: Enhancing Service Transparency, TTD Plan for Aadhaar Linking to Curb Middlemen
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is exploring the potential of integrating Aadhaar linking in its online services to effectively eliminate middlemen and enhance service transparency.
Streamlining TTD Services with Aadhaar Linking
The TTD provides various services to devotees through its online portal and mobile app, such as Tirumala darshan bookings, accommodation reservations, paid sevas, and voluntary services under the ‘Srivari Seva’ program. Despite leveraging advanced IT applications, the issue of middlemen persists, prompting TTD to consider Aadhaar linking as a solution.
During a recent meeting with representatives from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Jio, and TTD’s IT department, Executive Officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao emphasized the need to address the middlemen problem. He suggested that experts explore the feasibility of integrating Aadhaar to verify the identities of devotees through biometric verification. UIDAI officials presented a comprehensive plan on how Aadhaar can be linked with TTD’s online services to ensure authenticity and prevent manipulation.
Enhancing TTD Laddu Prasadam Quality
In another meeting held at the TTD administrative building, Mr. Syamala Rao discussed strategies to improve the quality of laddu prasadam (Sri Vari Laddu) distributed to devotees. He emphasized using the finest quality ghee and conducting rigorous quality tests to maintain high standards. Discussions with dairy experts focused on modern food safety trends and ways to elevate TTD’s quality testing procedures.
Dairy experts Vijay Bhaskar Reddy and Suresh Reddy, along with other officials, detailed the process of producing quality ghee according to SSI standards and the parameters set by TTD in compliance with the Food Safety Authority of India regulations. Mr. Syamala Rao instructed the officials to submit a detailed report on the necessary precautions in ghee procurement and the tests required to ensure its quality.
Addressing Middlemen and Enhancing Service Integrity of TTD
The TTD’s primary focus is to eradicate the middlemen system in Tirumala. This initiative includes several revolutionary measures to tackle issues like duplication of darshan tickets, creation of fake websites, and manipulation of online applications. As part of this effort, TTD has preliminarily decided to link all online services to Aadhaar, aiming to enhance transparency and eliminate the middlemen network.
Currently, devotees can book services such as darshan tickets, accommodation, paid sevas, and Srivari Seva through TTD’s online platform. Linking these services to Aadhaar will not only ensure transparency but also help in eradicating the middlemen menace. EO J. Syamala Rao directed the officials to assess the feasibility and implement Aadhaar linking to streamline and secure the online service processes.
Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Transparency in TTD
Joint Executive Officer (JEO) Sri Gouthami, S.V. Goshala director Sri Harinath Reddy, and GM (Purchases) Sri Murali Krishna, along with other key officials, participated in the discussions. The collaborative efforts aim to adopt the best practices and integrate Aadhaar linking for improved service delivery and transparency.
The introduction of Aadhaar linking in TTD’s online services marks a significant step towards ensuring that the benefits of the services reach the genuine devotees, eliminating any third-party interference, and maintaining the integrity of the processes. This initiative reflects TTD’s commitment to leveraging technology for better service management and enhancing the overall experience for devotees visiting Tirumala.