Fact Check: Are Taxpayer Funds Used for 5000 Temples in AP?

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is one of the most sacred and financially sound pilgrimages in the world. Every year, several philanthropic and public centric activities are carried out using the TTD funds that are accumulated through donations and hundi offerings from the pilgrims. 

In tune, with this, the latest developments have been suggesting that the TTD, in coordination with the AP authorities will be constructing as many as 5000 temples across the state. 

However, immediately, after this news broke out, there was round of negative campaigning on social media as a few people pointed out that these funds can be used to develop schools and hospitals rather than build temples.

There was this misinterpretation that the government was spending the state revenue for the construction of these 5000 temples and thus expectedly invited criticism. 

But the inside clarity on this matter is that the TTD is going to use the Srivani funds for the construction of these temples. It has nothing to do with the state government or its financial resources as this is an entirely TTD backed operation. 

Moreover, it is nothing new for the TTD to carry out Temple construction activities as this is a constant process that keeps happening every year. 

In accordance, 5000 temples are being constructed by using funds of TTD’s SRIVANI Sri Venkateswara Aalayala Nirmanam Trust, which has a corpus of ₹1085Cr -donated entirely by public. Of this ₹750Cr has been allocated for temple construction, ranging from ₹10L-₹30L based on land size.