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4 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Polity & GovernanceEconomyNEWS

Andhra Pradesh Orders Enquiry into TTD Ghee Adulteration Allegations

Andhra Pradesh government orders probe into alleged ghee adulteration at Tirumala temple.

Andhra Pradesh Orders Enquiry into TTD Ghee Adulteration Allegations

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The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has decided to entrust the alleged case of adulteration of ghee supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to a Commission of Enquiry. The aim is to identify the masterminds behind the controversy. The Cabinet reviewed a report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and noted shortcomings in its findings. The Commission of Enquiry will address the gaps in the SIT report and conduct a comprehensive probe into the procurement process, tender conditions, and administrative lapses related to the alleged mixing of chemical substances in the ghee. Ministers informed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy was invited as a special invitee to meetings, while committee members were not. The Cabinet directed the commission to submit its report at the earliest and focus on procedural flaws in the tender process.

Key Facts

1.

Case: Ghee adulteration at TTD

2.

Probe by: Commission of Enquiry

3.

Report by: Special Investigation Team (SIT)

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Governance, Polity - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2.

GS Paper II: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

3.

Connects to syllabus topics on transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms.

4.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the role and effectiveness of Commissions of Enquiry.

Visual Insights

TTD Ghee Adulteration Controversy: Key Events

Timeline of events leading to the enquiry into alleged ghee adulteration at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The TTD has a long history of managing the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have surfaced periodically, leading to government intervention.

  • 1933TTD Act established, formalizing the management of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
  • 2024Allegations of ghee adulteration surface, raising concerns about the quality of prasadams.
  • 2025Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the adulteration allegations.
  • 2026Andhra Pradesh Cabinet orders a Commission of Enquiry due to shortcomings in the SIT report. Focus on procurement process, tender conditions, and administrative lapses.
More Information

Background

The establishment of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) as an independent trust board occurred in 1951. This marked a significant step in the management of the Tirumala temple and its associated properties. Prior to this, the temple administration was under the purview of various governmental and quasi-governmental bodies. The formation of the TTD aimed to provide a more structured and autonomous framework for overseeing the temple's affairs, ensuring the preservation of its traditions, and managing its vast resources. The TTD's functions extend beyond mere temple administration. It plays a crucial role in promoting religious and cultural activities, managing educational institutions, and undertaking charitable initiatives. The board's composition and responsibilities are defined by the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act. Over the years, the TTD has evolved into a multifaceted organization, adapting to changing societal needs while upholding its religious mandate. The procurement processes, including those for ghee, are governed by specific guidelines to maintain quality and transparency. Commissions of Enquiry are often constituted under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. These commissions are ad hoc bodies formed by the government to investigate specific issues of public importance. The Act empowers the government to appoint a commission, define its terms of reference, and grant it powers to summon witnesses, collect evidence, and make recommendations. The reports of these commissions are advisory in nature and provide valuable insights for policy formulation and corrective action. The findings can influence administrative and legal reforms.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of procurement processes in religious institutions, particularly concerning the quality and authenticity of materials used in rituals. Allegations of adulteration, as seen in the TTD ghee case, raise concerns about transparency and accountability in these processes. This has led to calls for stricter regulations and oversight mechanisms to ensure the integrity of offerings and supplies. Several state governments have initiated measures to enhance the governance and management of religious endowments. These include the implementation of e-tendering systems, the establishment of quality control standards, and the strengthening of internal audit mechanisms. The aim is to promote transparency, prevent corruption, and safeguard the interests of devotees. Institutions like NITI Aayog have also emphasized the need for good governance practices in religious organizations. Looking ahead, there is a growing emphasis on leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and transparency of procurement processes in religious institutions. Blockchain technology, for instance, can be used to track the supply chain of materials, ensuring their authenticity and preventing adulteration. The focus is on adopting best practices and innovative solutions to maintain the sanctity of religious offerings and uphold the trust of devotees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts related to the Andhra Pradesh ghee adulteration case that are important for UPSC Prelims?

For UPSC Prelims, remember that the Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a probe into alleged ghee adulteration at the Tirumala temple. The probe will be conducted by a Commission of Enquiry, following a report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The focus is on the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Exam Tip

Focus on the institutions involved (TTD, Commission of Enquiry, SIT) and the nature of the allegations.

2. What is the role and significance of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)?

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is an independent trust board established in 1951. It manages the Tirumala temple and its properties. Its significance lies in its role in overseeing one of the world's richest and most visited religious institutions.

3. What is a Commission of Enquiry and what is its purpose in the context of the TTD ghee adulteration case?

A Commission of Enquiry is a body appointed by the government to investigate a specific issue or event. In the TTD ghee adulteration case, the Commission's purpose is to conduct a comprehensive probe into the procurement process, tender conditions, and administrative lapses related to the alleged adulteration, addressing gaps in the SIT report.

4. Why is the TTD ghee adulteration case in the news recently?

The TTD ghee adulteration case is in the news because the Andhra Pradesh government has ordered an enquiry into the allegations. This follows a report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which the government found to have shortcomings, prompting a more comprehensive investigation.

5. As a civil servant, how would you ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement processes of religious institutions like TTD?

To ensure transparency and accountability, I would advocate for stricter regulations and oversight mechanisms. This includes implementing transparent tender processes, regular quality checks by independent bodies, and public audits of procurement records. Citizen oversight through public forums and grievance redressal mechanisms can also be implemented.

6. What are the potential implications of the TTD ghee adulteration case on the common citizen?

The TTD ghee adulteration case can erode public trust in religious institutions and the quality of products used in religious practices. It raises concerns about the integrity of offerings and the potential for exploitation. This can lead to decreased donations and participation in religious activities.

7. What administrative lapses are being investigated in the TTD ghee adulteration case?

The administrative lapses being investigated include shortcomings in the procurement process, tender conditions, and potential administrative failures that allowed the alleged mixing of chemical substances in the ghee. The Commission of Enquiry will specifically address these gaps.

8. What is the historical background of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)?

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was established as an independent trust board in 1951. Before that, the temple administration was managed by various governmental and quasi-governmental bodies. The formation of TTD aimed to provide a more structured and autonomous management system for the temple.

9. What recent developments highlight the need for increased scrutiny of procurement processes in religious institutions?

Allegations of adulteration, as seen in the TTD ghee case, raise concerns about transparency and accountability in procurement processes of religious institutions. This has led to calls for stricter regulations and oversight mechanisms to ensure the integrity of materials used in rituals.

10. Who are the key personalities mentioned in the context of the TTD ghee adulteration case?

The key personalities mentioned are N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister, and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, a former TTD chairman who was invited to meetings as a special invitee.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD): 1. The TTD was established as an independent trust board in 1951. 2. The Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act defines the TTD's functions. 3. The TTD only manages the Tirumala temple and has no role in educational institutions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The TTD was indeed established as an independent trust board in 1951 to manage the Tirumala temple and its properties. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act defines the TTD's functions, responsibilities, and organizational structure. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The TTD plays a crucial role in managing educational institutions and undertaking charitable initiatives, in addition to managing the Tirumala temple. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

2. In the context of the recent enquiry ordered by Andhra Pradesh regarding alleged adulteration of ghee supplied to TTD, consider the following statements about Commissions of Enquiry: 1. Commissions of Enquiry are statutory bodies established under the Constitution of India. 2. The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, provides the framework for establishing these commissions. 3. The reports of Commissions of Enquiry are binding on the government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Commissions of Enquiry are ad hoc bodies, not statutory bodies established under the Constitution of India. They are constituted by the government as needed. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, provides the legal framework for establishing these commissions, defining their powers and procedures. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The reports of Commissions of Enquiry are advisory in nature and not binding on the government. They provide recommendations for policy formulation and corrective action. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

3. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of NITI Aayog?

  • A.It is primarily responsible for implementing government schemes at the grassroots level.
  • B.It serves as a think tank and advisory body to the Government of India.
  • C.It is the apex body for regulating financial markets in India.
  • D.It is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country.
Show Answer

Answer: B

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India. It provides directional and policy inputs. While it plays a role in shaping the implementation of government schemes, its primary function is to serve as an advisory body.

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