New Delhi, 5 February (H.S.): The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, the governing body of the Tirupati temple, has disciplinary action against 18 non-Hindu employees who are allegedly following non-Hindu practices despite taking an oath to uphold and follow the Hindu faith. The employees have been barred from participating in the temple's religious activities and have been asked to transfer to positions not connected to the temple.

The TTD Board has resolved to either transfer the employees to government departments or facilitate their exit through the Voluntary Retirement Scheme. The board has ordered the employees to take an oath in front of Lord Venkateshwara, promising to follow the Hindu faith and traditions when they join.

The actions have been found to demean the prestige of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Two officials of the TTD have been tasked with verifying the posting of the 18 employees and ensuring they are not posted in Tirumala or any temple or religious program-related work or post.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar