As a sign of progressive and inclusive India, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is ready to appoint non- Brahmin priests.  For the past three months, about 200 people from Dalit and backward communities have undergone rigorous training for three months as part of a pilot project by the TTD management. The selected non-Brahmin priests are expected to assume charge soon.

TTD executive officer Anil Singhal said it is the first time that members from downtrodden sections of the society are being given a chance in the recruitment process for world's richest temple.

At a press conference in Delhi, Singhal said that although demand for reservation for Dalits had met with stiff resistance, it has now become a reality.

The first batch of priests has been trained by the TTD's Sri Venkateswara Employees' Training Academy (SVETA). They will soon be appointed by the temples managed by the Boards.

TTD is going to construct around 500 temples in SC, ST and fishermen colonies along with the Endowments departments to check the systematic alienation of the vulnerable communities from Hindus society. These temples will require priests and hence a training programme was started for the vulnerable communities.

The appointment of such priests will go a long way in strengthening the spiritual link between the vulnerable communities and the Hindu society at large.