Vacancies in key posts likely to impact TTD functioning

Several nominated and administrative positions, which have reportedly remained vacant for long in crucial departments of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), have likely impacted its functioning.After taking over the reins of the State, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had announced the initiation of administrative reforms at the TTD, however, the reality has been different.The position of Joint Executive Officer (Tirupati) has remained vacant following the transfer of V. Veerabrahmam. It is currently being held by Joint EO (Health and Education) A. Sharath, a retired bureaucrat.Similarly, Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC), the TTD’s visual media arm, has been without a head for long. Over the past two years, the SVBC has been headed by an ‘in-charge CEO’, with four individuals taking on this role — the then JEO V. Veerabrahmam, the TTD Forest Officer D. Phanikumar Naidu, Audit Officer Venkateswara Rao, and currently the JEO A. Sharath.The fate of SVBC’s training arm, Sri Venkateswara Employees Training Academy (SVETA), has been no different.Even the Executive Officers are reportedly finding it difficult to grapple with the developments due to their short stints. J. Syamala Rao was appointed in June 2024 and had to step down in September 2025, followed by Anil Kumar Singhal, who served for just five months. Another senior bureaucrat, Muddada Ravichandra, is now holding its reins.A senior official, requesting anonymity, told The Hindu that the government had been notified of these vacancies, with an appeal to fill them at the earliest. Published - July 23, 2026 07:45 pm IST