Hi-tech alarm to protect Balaji jewels

The precious ornaments of Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala will soon get Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protection from thefts and misappropriation. Under the system being readied by the city- based Electronics Corporation Of India Ltd, an alarm will be triggered when ornaments are removed from the temple premises.

The technology is so tamper proof that if someone attempts to detach the radio frequency identity tags from the jewellery, a loud siren will be heard. It will also alert the store administrator in case ornaments go missing. The ECIL will also give identification number for the ornaments, which will be labelled by a security hologram. Further, it will prepare a database containing description of the ornaments and information of donors and their addresses.

After gold dollars went missing from the treasury at Tirumala, the government had appointed the Justice M. Jagannadha Rao commission to recommend ways to protect the jewellery at the temples.

The commission, which examined steps taken by the TTD for the security of jewellery and valuables, suggested foolproof measures to prevent recurrence of theft.

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Court sets new date to count Balaji assets

Hyderabad, Aug. 27: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday rejected the contention of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams executive officer that he could not blame the state government or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for not conducting annual audit of temples under it.

The court directed the TTD to complete to verification and audit of assets in the state by the end of October 31 and verification of assets in other parts of the country by November 30.

Mr I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, the EO of the TTD, submitted to the court that the TTD was prepared to submit a master list as directed by the High Court.

However, he added that since he was being paid by the TTD and the state government he could not hold them responsible for not conducting audit. He urged the court to modify its order to seek answers straight from the TTD executive board and the endowments department.

However, a division bench comprising Justice Goda Raghuram and Justice Ramesh Ranganathan rejected his contention and said he could be more assertive as he was protected by the Constitution by virtue of his position as an IAS officer.