TTD's coffers to be audited by CAG, Trust Board passes resolution

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) passed a resolution to audit its coffers by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India after the allegation of its funds being used for non-Hindu religious activities. This particular resolution was passed during the TTD Trust Board's meeting on August 28 and the subsequent proposal was sent to the Andhra Pradesh government.

Hyderabad:In wake of allegations and criticism that the funds of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were being used for non-Hindu religious activities, the TTD Trust Board has decided to get its accounts audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

This particular resolution was passed during the TTD Trust Board's meeting on August 28 and the subsequent proposal was sent to the Andhra Pradesh government. If accepted, the state audit department and private firms, which used to handle audit-related reports (revenue and expenditure) of the renowned hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara, will be relieved of its duties and CAG would be brought into the picture.

According to sources, the audit would be carried from 2020-21 onwards and also the past five financial years starting from 2014-15. The resolution was taken owing to the 'criticism being made in social and mainstream media from time to time regarding various types of expenditure incurred and the need to improve the confidence of the pilgrims and donors in the systems adopted by the Board', as signed by TTD Trust Board Chairman Y V Subba Reddy.

Resolution copy

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy (Rajya Sabha), who had filed a PIL in AP High Court regarding the issue, claimed that the state government had consented to the resolution.

"My associate Satyapal Sabharwal and I had filed a PIL in Andhra HC seeking a CAG audit of Tirupati Temple funds for the last 5 years& hereafter. The CM Jagan gracefully consented. TTD Chm. Subba Reddy & Member & VHS AP leader Govind Hari piloted it thru TTD Board. Task complete!" he tweeted.

TTD's coffers go through two types of audits: Statutory and Internal. While the Statutory Audit is conducted by an external auditor, appointed by Government of Andhra Pradesh, the latter is carried in forms such as Pre-Audit and Internal Audit.

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