TTD pushes to improve quality of annaprasadam

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Reaffirming its commitment to serving millions of pilgrims with high quality food, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) on Tuesday said its foremost objective is to provide superior-quality annaprasadam to devotees visiting Tirumala.

Addressing a meeting with rice and dal millers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at the Sudharma Conference Hall in Padmavathi Guest House, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary stressed that there should be no compromise in the procurement and supply of quality raw materials.

Citing feedback from a recent survey conducted among devotees at the Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex, the Additional EO said: “More than 98% pilgrims felt that the taste and quality of food being served had improved significantly compared to the past." He added that rice millers who personally interacted with devotees at the annaprasadam centre on Monday night found that a majority of pilgrims expressed 'complete satisfaction' with the quality and taste of the meals being served.

Mr. Chowdary said that some devotees have suggested serving an additional portion of dal along with the annaprasadam. Describing the suggestion as constructive, he directed officials to examine its feasibility and take appropriate action.

He also stated that the TTD has proposed an empanelment system for procurement of raw materials, aimed at enhancing transparency and strengthen quality benchmarks. The initiative, he said, is aimed at elevating the standards of annaprasadam offered to devotees.

The meeting also discussed sourcing of various pulses through the Dal Association. Mr. Chowdary said that the TTD was formulating procedures in line with its regulations to ensure the supply of premium-quality ingredients. The proposal would be placed before the TTD Board for discussion and a final decision is expected shortly.

Among those present were warehouse deputy EO Padmavathi, procurement department head Uma Shankar, catering special officer Sastri, other offi