Corruption charges: TTD EO sacks 243 piece rate barbers

Tirupati: The TTD management sacked 243 barbers with a single pen stroke on charges of corruption. The sensational decision was taken by TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal two days ago. In protest against the decision, the piece rate barbers staged a dharna at Tirumala JEO’s office on Wednesday.

• The ousted barbers stage a protest at Tirumala JEO’s office
• Appeal to him to reinstate them
• Contend that devotees voluntarily paid them Rs 10 per head at Kalyanakattas out of their own satisfaction

Such a large number of workers were never removed from service at once during the last 20 years in TTD. In a first-of-its-kind decision, the outsourced employees facing corruption charges were sacked. This decision by the EO sent shock waves among the TTD piece rate workers.

It may be noted that during the last three months, the TTD security and vigilance wing officials kept a close vigil on the piece rate barbers engaged to tonsure the heads of devotees at Kalyana Kattas.

The vigilance department found that some barbers were collecting money from devotees and it has been recorded in CC cameras during the
last three months.

Later, on the basis of CC camera footage, higher officials of the vigilance department recommended disciplinary action against the barbers who had received bribes from devotees.

Following their recommendation, the TTD EO removed 243 piece rate barbers from service at once. Presently, the total strength of TTD piece rate barbers working at Kalyanakattas is 943 and after the removal of 243 barbers, their strength has come down to 700. The TTD officials are taking steps to fill the gap through fresh recruitment of barbers.

Meanwhile, in protest against their removal without any notice, the piece rate barbers staged a protest at Tirumala JEO K S Sreenivasa Raju’s office. They appealed to the JEO to reappoint them. They told the JEO that they did not demand any bribe but the devotees only paid Rs 10 per head to them in contentment.

A sacked woman piece rate worker speaking to The Hans India said, “We have never asked for any bribe from the devotees, they are paying a nominal amount out of their satisfaction and as per their wish.” Another woman barber with tears rolling out of her eyes said, “But officials targeted us, we are low-level outsourced employees, our livelihood depends on tonsuring only and without notice and inquiry officials removed us from service.”