tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) decided to implement a comprehensive cost control strategy after an internal financial review showed that fixed spending continued to increase against static income streams.
The TTD Board Finance Committee was aware of its institutional spending, especially in areas such as salary, material procurement, hospitals and educational institutions, when studying the 2024-25 budget proposals. But revenue is still driven by some predictable sources – hosting the Hundi Collection.
The Finance Committee stressed: “Although receipts remain unchanged, expenditures are still rising.” It is recommended that all expenditures be thoroughly evaluated.
According to the approved budget for 2025–26, TTD expects total revenue to be Rs 525.868 crore, increasing from the edge of Rs 5179.85 crore in the 2024-25 revised estimate. The estimated Hundi collection is Rs 172.9 crore and remains the main source of income. Other major contributors include interest income of Rs 13.1 crore, Prasadam sales of Rs 6 billion, Dashan receipt of Rs 3.1 crore and Kalyanakatta receipt of Rs 17.65 crore. Revenue from other sources, such as Arjitha Sevas (TRS 13 billion) and accommodation (Rs 157 crore), but no growth.
In terms of expenditure, the budget for HR payments is Rs 1773,750 crore, up from Rs 174.875 crore in the previous year. Material purchases have risen significantly, from Rs 666 crore to Rs 768 crore. The allocation to hospitals and educational institutions remained unchanged, at Rs 15.6 crore and Rs 18.9 crore, respectively. Vigilance and security expenditure has been reduced to Rs 19.1 crore. Capital works have allocated Rs 350 crore, which includes Rs 1,431 crore of pilgrimage facilities and Rs 4,93 crore of hospital infrastructure.
To curb the rising costs, the TTD Trust Committee chaired by BR Naidu approved a series of measures. A key initiative is to establish a center of strategic activity to track financial data across departments to identify high-value areas and evaluate unit-level performance. The board hopes institutions like Svims and Birrd receive a large number of annual grants to move towards financial self-reliance.
The Sri Venkateswara Bhakti channel, currently operating with an annual grant of Rs 58 crore, has been instructed to increase its revenue through sponsorship and advertising.
To reduce procurement costs, the Board approved an expanded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach. By promoting its services and charitable programs, TTD aims to attract CSR donations in the form of materials, goods and services.
The Finance Committee reviewed the shortcomings of TTD Kalyana Mandapam in all states. The board decided to reuse these facilities for a community-oriented program to justify capital investment.
The Srivari Swayam Sevaks program will be expanded to reduce dependence on outsourcing employees and deploy volunteers in key departments. Quality audits for outsourced workers and regular training for permanent employees supported by external experts will also be received.
To monitor and launch reforms, TTD will form a financial advisory committee composed of financial management experts. The committee will support the Trust Committee to identify further pathways to increase revenue and reduce expenditures.
While approving the new proposal, the board said: “While cost reductions are necessary, we will ensure that it does not affect service delivery for devotees. These measures are designed to shift institutions toward financially sustainable models while retaining quality of service.”
TTD Budget and Board Decisions Focus
– Total revenue (2025–26): Rs 5,258.68 crore
– Total Expenditure (2025–26): Rs 5,258.68 crore
Highest source of income:
–Hundi (Srivari Kanuka): Rs 1,729 crore
– Interest Income: Rs 131 crore
-Prasadam Sales: Rs 6 billion
– Human hair auction: Rs 350 crore
-Arjitha Sevas, accommodation and Kalyanakatta: No increase since 2024 – 25 years
Main expenses person in charge:
– Human Resources Payment: Rs 1,77375 crore
– Materials Purchase: Rs 7685 billion
– Hospital: Rs 156 crore
– Educational Institutions: Rs 189 crore
-SVIMS: Rs 60 crore | Bibbard: Rs 550 crore
-SVBC: Rs 58 crore
– Engineering Capital Work: Rs 35 billion
Approval cost measures:
– Financial monitoring system through activities
-CSR promotes material donation
– Volunteer-based workforce expansion
– Quality audit of outsourcing manpower
– Improvement of skills for ordinary employees
– Community use of Kalyana Mandapams
– Establish a Financial Advisory Committee
