TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra has taken over as chairman of TTD Specified Authority which will look after the administration of temple organisation.
He took charge at Tirupati on Friday (6 November 2026) and said improving services for devotees would be top priority.
B.R. Naidu-led previous TTD Trust Board had completed its term on 31 October 2026 and after the board's term ended, Andhra Pradesh government constituted a three member Specified Authority to run affairs of TTD till a new governing board is formed.
Ravichandra was appointed chairman of the authority and V. Vinay Chand, Secretary of Finance Department and K. Kanna Babu, Secretary of Revenue (Endowments) Department were made members thereof.
TTD Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkayya Chowdary administered the oath at Bangaru Vakili of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. After the ceremony Vedic scholars offered blessings at Ranganayakula Mandapam and prasadam was given to him along with temple honours.
Speaking after assuming charge, Ravichandra said the authority would work on continuing TTD’s existing service activities more efficiently and improving overall experience of devotees visiting Tirumala.
He said TTD has to make arrangements so that pilgrims visiting the temple can concentrate on their prayers and have a comfortable darshan of Lord Venkateswara spiritually fulfilling.
The new chairman also said that improving facilities would not be limited to the main temple in Tirumala. Attention would also be paid to 64 other temples run by TTD across the country so that devotees visiting these temples get better services too.
Apart from religious activities and pilgrim facilities, Ravichandra listed priorities in education and healthcare. TTD run educational institutions should provide quality education as per future requirements, he said adding that students would also be developed into responsible citizens with strong sense of service towards society.
He said necessary facilities would be developed for overall growth and development of students studying in TTD institutions.
Healthcare is another area Ravichandra pointed out. TTD-managed hospitals should give quality medical treatment backed by modern healthcare facilities and services to patients visiting those hospitals would be improved too.
The Andhra Pradesh government constituted the three-member authority vide Government Order No. 658 under Section 137 of Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987. The authority will exercise powers and perform functions of TTD Board of Trustees.
Its tenure will be one year or until a new Trust Board is constituted (whichever comes first).
The latest move puts TTD administration in the hands of the new authority for the interim period. Pilgrims’ services, temple management, education and healthcare are some of the areas where the authority has said it will be working until next Trust Board takes over.
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