TTD to hand over education institutions?

TIRUPATI:  Various political parties and student organisations are up in arms against the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ move to hand over its educational institutions to the state government. Speaking to mediapersons here on Friday, BJP state spokesman G Bhanuprakash Reddy accused TTD officials of unilaterally deciding to place the proposal for approval before the Specified Authority which would meet  next week.He demanded that the TTD withdraw the move in the interest of the students and respecting the views of political parties and social organisations, and warned the TTD that the BJP, along with students, devotees and other like-minded parties, would launch a movement if the TTD did not withdraw its proposal. Recalling that the TTD had started schools and colleges long ago as part of its social service, he said the number of TTD institutions in Andhra Pradesh and other states had now risen to 27 with a total  strength of more than 15,000.At a time every religious organisation was keen on providing education and health to needy people, the TTD was going back on its commitment despite having the wherewithal to do social service. TDP state secretary G Narasimha Yadav alleged that the move on educational institutions was  part of a plan to privatise all TTD institutions. Being a major Hindu religious organisation the TTD should be a model and carry on its educational service, he said.