BLACK GOLD (?) Vanishes, TTD's Callousness
Tirummala, March 11

Callousness on the part of TTD officials result in loss of revenue on account of Tonsured hair to Lord. Lord earn more than Rs. 100 Crores income on Tonsured Hair. There is very good demand for this hair in the world market. Rs. 10000/ per one Kilo tonsured hair is prevailing for First Class hair. TTD lost revenue of crores of rupees in the past due to corrupted system of tendering. Instances where a single bidder bid in various names in the past monopolizing the market was many in the past. Though rules stipulate bid every three months, its not being implemented. Wrong fixing of bid rate by marketing department sometimes leads to losses. Bid is to be fixed as per the current market rate, but the bid is used to be fixed on the basis of previous bids. It benefits the monopolistic bidder.

There are 15 Mini Kalyana kattas in addition to main kalyna katta at Tirumala at various cottages and no system to preserve tonsured hair is prevailing there resulting in stealing them to sell through back door at Tirupati as main centre. If one steals a kilo tonsured hair earns him minimum Rs. 10000/. Termed as Black Gold, this tonsured hair enhances the income of lord if it is sold in a transparent way.

Proposals are readied for building Mini kalyana Kattas with tight security and installation of CC cameras. We just consider to use machinery right from collection of Tonsured hair to grading and packing. Hundis to collect tonsured hair will be installed at various cottages where these mini Kalyana Kattas are existing within ten days to arrest stealing of Black Gold according to Koteswara Rao, Chief Engineer.

TTD insured the tonsured hair. Lord earns Rs. 400 Crores through Hundi, whereas Rs 100 Crores through the sale of Tonsured Hair. The hair is preserved in Kalyana Katta for sale and any untoward incident such fire may result in lose of crores of Rupees. In view of this TTD insured by paying Rs. 1.20 laks premium per annum to the stock of Rs. 30 Crores.