TTD to promote digital payment in a big way

Tirupati: TTD Executive Officer (EO) Anil Kumar Singhal called on the officials to take steps for promoting cashless transaction in Tirumala. Pointing that swiping machines have been installed at the accommodation and darshan counters in Tirumala, he said that focus should be laid to motivate the pilgrims opt cashless transaction while availing accommodation or purchase of darshan tickets in Tirumala.

This would make things easy for pilgrims as they can avoid carrying more cash and also helps TTD to ensure transparency in administration. The cashless transactions in Tirumala have been enabled without swiping charges by banks now for the sake of pilgrims, he observed.

The review meeting he held with TTD senior officials in the Administrative Building here on Saturday evening, the EO said from September 6 onwards the TTD has waived off the two per cent charge it is charging for swiping bank cards at Andhra bank counter on the purchase of gold and silver dollars in Tirumala. He also instructed TTD Health Officer Dr RR Reddy to replace the chemical products used for cleaning purposes at Tirumala with eco-friendly organic sanitation products.

Singhal wanted the introduction of 3D imaging methods as part of development activities at SV Museum and directed the concerned for updating the TTD website and revamping of the Govinda mobile app besides stern action by vigilance staff against fake websites if they propagate false news tarnishing the image of TTD.

The EO also urged officials to take up extensive landscaping and social forestry at Kanyakumari temple and also promote colourful flower plants on both the ghat roads of Tirumala. Tirumala Special Officer AV Dharma Reddy, Tirupati JEO P Basant Kumar, CVSO Gopinath Jatti, Chief Engineer Ramachandra Reddy and others were present.