Contract priests seek regular service sops

Tirupati: It is painful to note that the employee rendering Kainkaryams (temple services) in the TTD controlled temples (other than Tirumala) have been striving for years for meagre wages with no job security.

The staff employed as outsourcing employees are doing Kainkaryams as Archakas (priests) and conduct day-to-day rituals, religious ceremonies and kitchen works like preparing prasadams and also as musicians. They are not in a position to express their sufferings.

These labourers from Brahmin community keep silent and not bold enough to raise their problems. The 300 outsourcing employees remain scattered, as they were engaged in the temples located in various places – in and around Tirupati. They are also placed in far off places like New Delhi and Rishikesh. 

An outsourcing worker in a local temple lamented that they are not in a position to make a representation. `` I have been working since 12 years for Rs 8000 monthly wage. Except weekly off and PF, I am not getting any benefit. To attend any emergencies, we can get leave but with a cut in salary, he said. 

CPM trade union CITU city secretary and TTD contract employees’ union (having more than 4000 outsourcing employees as members) general secretary Subramanyam said due to fear of losing jobs, they are reluctant to highlight their problems.  

Subramanyam said though these religious staff are crucial temple duties, religious celebrations like Brahmotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, etc,  the TTD is ignoring them.  

Sri Padmavathi Srinivasa Samithi (outsourcing agency) , president Srinivasa Murthy said we have been requesting TTD to issue Identity cards and extend some facilities like medical, concession in TTD educational institutions and also Darshan with family once in a year in Tirumala temple.

But all these request were ignored. He said the employees engaged in various categories are getting different salaries which include Archakas Rs 17000, Potu workers RS 13,000 and others who are more in number Rs 8000 only for several years. 

Social activist M Gopal Reddy demanded TTD to regularise them as there is demand for their Kainkaryams on all days.  TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar said that TTD has not ignored the religious staff working in various temples spread in the state and outside.