Andhra govt forms panel to act on TTD ghee probe findings

The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday took a major step in addressing the controversy surrounding ghee procurement at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams by constituting a high-level committee to examine and implement the recommendations of a one-man inquiry panel .

The issue gained prominence after allegations surfaced that adulterated ghee had been supplied to TTD. Following directions from the Supreme Court of India, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Investigation investigated the matter and recently filed a chargesheet .

Subsequently, the TDP-led state government appointed retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar as a one-member committee on February 20 to conduct a detailed review of the controversy. The panel recently submitted its report, pointing out administrative lapses , procedural irregularities , accountability issues and measures required to strengthen the system.

After studying the report, the government felt the recommendations required a dedicated framework for effective implementation. Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad later issued orders announcing the formation of a high-level panel.

The committee will be chaired by the Chief Secretary, with the State DGP serving as a member and the Law Department Secretary acting as Member-Convener. Its responsibilities include thoroughly reviewing the findings of the one-member committee and recommending administrative, disciplinary and legal measures .

The panel has also been entrusted with preparing a priority-based action plan and suggesting a monitoring mechanism to ensure proper execution of the government’s decisions. As per the official orders, the committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days .