Wisdom & Control
- Measures to stop corruption in Laddu Quota
Tirupati, March 13, 2008

At last TTD turned its eyes on preferential system of allotting Laddus to TTD employees, Police, All State Government Departments and Media personnel, thereby to exercise check over corrupt practices prevailing. The system is not transparent as there is no accountability on the source of recommendation. The severity of problem can be gauged from the fact that around 25000 laddus at the rate of Rs. 25/ per laddu are distributed daily on account of this system; where as a ordinary devotee is entitled to get only one laddu. 8000 laddus to Police, Revenue and other state government departments get 8000, Vigilance (?) organization gets 5000, TTD Staff 2000 and finally Media gets 1000 laddus per day under this quota. Most of these laddus are being sold at premium in black market at the rate of Rs. 40 to Rs. 50/. A rough estimate reveals that laddus worth Rs. 5 laks are sold through black market.

In a bid to streamline the system, TTD decided to form a nodal organization for the purpose. One or two officers from each department will be nominated as Nodal officer, under whose signature only letters are to be issued and TTD on its part will confirm the allotment by Dy EO/AEO for final issue of laddus.

Similarly additional laddus to TTD employees are restricted to 10 only at the rate of Rs.25/ in addition to 10 at the rate of Rs.10. A code number is allotted to each employee to exercise control over allotments. TTD expects marked improvement, once these measures are implemented.S