TTD Contract Staff Launch Protest as Wage Parity Demands Reach Critical Point

Escalating Labor Unrest in Tirupati

Contract and outsourcing personnel at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) gathered outside the organization’s Administrative Building on Saturday to demand immediate financial reforms. Led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the workforce is calling for the TTD to double the current monthly base salary from 13,000 to 26,000 rupees to combat the rising cost of living.

Core Grievances and Social Facility Demands

CITU State vice-president Kandarapu Murali, addressing the assembled staff, highlighted a disparity between the workers' service to thousands of daily devotees and their own lack of access to temple privileges. Beyond the wage increase, the union highlighted several necessary reforms:

• Facility Access: Implementation of Srivari darshan rights for all contract and outsourcing employees.
• Subsidies: Provision of Laddu and Vada prasadam entitlement cards.
• Nutrition: Establishment of a dedicated Anna Prasadam center for the contract workforce.
• Safety and Regularization: Formalization of roles for forest workers and improved safety equipment for the Water Works Department.

Job Insecurity and Future Deadlines

The union leadership, including CITU district president S. Jayachandra and secretary T. Subramanyam, criticized the precarious nature of employment for those hired through Facility Management Services (FMS). They noted that previous wage increases were only secured through organized labor action. Protesters have issued an ultimatum to the TTD Board: resolve these grievances before the next board session or the 2026 annual Brahmotsavam. Failure to meet these demands will result in an intensified agitation across the temple administrative structure.

Source: The Hindu — Home