Indian Express : Tirupati: Friday, March 29, 2013,
Admitting that there was a difference of opinions over applying the Right To Information (RTI) Act to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), endownment minister C Ramachandraiah said the issue is at a judicial level and a final decision will come out soon.
Speaking to newsmen after organising a review meeting with TTD officials and district administration, along with AP Legislative Council chairman Chakrapani here Thursday, he observed that no temple or religious institutes should be exempted from the RTI Act.
“In my view, it is the right of every person and devotee to know the details and on-goings in the temples or other religious institutions. Hence, no exemption should be given to TTD either,” he said, adding that the High Court of various states were split over application of RTI to religious institutions.
On the installation of statues of Babu Jagjivanram and Sanjeevaiah in Tirupati town, he said that they had instructed district collector Solomon Arokiaraj to finalise suitable locations for installing them.
Supporting the ban of liquor in Tirupati city, he said the state government will issue a final decision over the issue soon, as it takes time to implement the prohibition due to several practical problems.
On retirement of TTD priests, he said everybody should honour the directions of the Apex court, which is vital part of Indian Constitution. “There will be no exemption for priest retirement as a lot of issues are coming in the way to take a decision on continuing services of priests, even after their retirement,” he said.
However, a final decision will be taken after holding discussions with TTD Executive Officer, Endowment commissioner and principal secretary, he added.
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