TTD to launch e-procurement portal to for Tirumala laddu ingredients

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is all set to launch a digital e-procurement platform for the first time, aimed at streamlining procurement processes involved in the purchase of Rs 700 crore worth of materials annually.Embroiled in the laddu-ghee adulteration procurement row, the Tirupati trust launched a series of long-term measures aimed at streamlining the faulty procurement processes and bringing much-needed transparency and accountability at all levels of procurement.TTD additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary held a series of meetings with govt of India officials who played a key role in the launch of the government e-marketplace (GeM) to help the Tirupati trust develop its own e-marketplace portal, to create a direct platform for reputed vendors from all over the country to sell their quality produce directly to the Tirupati trust in an utterly transparent manner.Speaking to TOI, Chowdary explained that the TTD shells out approximately Rs 700 cr annually and procures more than 70 essential items, under which close to 30 major commodities, including ghee, Bengal gram dal, jaggery, cashews, almonds, raisins, cardamom, black pepper, etc, are used in the preparation of the sacred laddu and other annaprasadams.Following the recommendations of the expert committee comprising Dr C Anandha Rama Krishnan, director, CSIR-NIIST; N Purna Chandra Rao, joint food controller, govt of AP and senior principal scientist from CSIR-CFTRI Dr D Usha Rani, TTD strictly enforces all necessary FSSAI specifications for the procurement of commodities used in the preparation of the sacred prasadams at the Tirumala temple from June last year."As per the revised guidelines, all tenderers will have to submit the lab reports obtained from NABL-accredited and FSSAI-notified labs with NABL scope along with their tender documents. To balance ease of procurement without compromising on the quality parameters, TTD will soon launch its own e-procurement portal," Chowdary asserted.According to the TTD additional EO, the new e-procurement portal, which is set to be launched soon, will also address the concerning issues of corruption and transparency. "We are trying to plug all possible loopholes in the procurement systems by enabling the vendors from all over the country to apply for TTD contracts digitally in an utterly transparent manner," Chowdary added.