Aadhaar may be mandatory for some services at Tirumala

Even as debate rages over Aadhaar and its mandatory usages, the biometric identity number is gaining prominence in the Abode of Lord Balaji.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is toying with the idea of making Aadhaar mandatory for certain essential services though it only aims to create awareness on the use of the biometric identity number at the moment.

When asked about the plans for the use of Aadhaar, Anil Kumar Singhal, Executive Officer, TTD said: “Making Aadhaar mandatory for pilgrims will enhance transparency in rooms, darshan and allotment of other privileges.’’ Will it make it difficult for pilgrims? Obviously not, says TTD. In a survey, it found that 98 per cent of devotees have Aadhaar while 94 per cent of them were willing to share it. At present, giving the Aadhaar number is only optional and not mandatory.

The increasing rush of pilgrims is creating problems too. There are instances of middle men/agents booking accommodation in advance in their name and offering it to pilgrims at a price.

Generally, about 2.70 lakh to 3 lakh pilgrims visit Tirumala for Darshan every day and on holidays, seasons like summer vacation, the number goes up significantly.

For example, about 41 lakh pilgrims had darshan of Lord Venkateswara this year from April 27 to June 13 as against 37.52 lakh pilgrims from April 24 to June 10 last year during the summer season.

TTD sold over 1 crore laddus this year during summer against 97 lakhs last year. The hundi collections and other seva related revenue grew to ₹128 crore this summer as against ₹122 crore last year, according to the Singhal.

To ensure better reach of paid services ( arjitha sevas ), TTD is also introducing online quota of tickets. It will release 44,896 Arjitha Seva tickets for the month of September through online on June 16, 2017.

Six première tickets including Suprabhatam , Thomala , Archana , Visesha Puja , Astadala Pada, Padmaradhana and Nija Pada Darshanam will be allowed through online booking. Henceforth, all pilgrims can book the online quota tickets.

To enhance security, it is contemplating installing high-end CC cameras surrounding the temple.