A small issue at footwear stand was enough to leave a bad impression of the temple, Executive Officer of the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri Hill said.
| Photo Credit: G. N. RAO
Executive Officer of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam VK Seena Naik has expressed serious concern over the alleged inappropriate behaviour of ground-level staff and contractors towards devotees, stating that such conduct is tarnishing the reputation of the temple.
Speaking at an emergency review meeting held on Monday (February 23) morning with temple staff, security personnel, sanitation workers, and contractors managing various services, the EO said that despite the temple administration spending crores of rupees to provide quality darshan, hygienic and tasty prasadam, and better queue-line amenities, the behaviour of certain service contractors was undermining these efforts.
He pointed out that illegal or additional charges being collected at coconut-breaking points, cloak rooms, footwear stands, and instances of rude behaviour by parking contractors were diluting the positive experience created by the temple’s infrastructure and services.
“Even if a devotee completes darshan happily, a single unpleasant interaction at the footwear stand, parking area, or luggage counter can leave them dissatisfied with the entire temple,” Mr. Naik observed.
“The temple’s brand image was being severely affected due to complaints that devotees were not being treated with respect,” he said, adding, such perceptions, could have long-term consequences for the shrine’s standing.
Citing data, the EO said grievances raised by devotees are being directly reported to the government through the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS). As a result, the ranking of Indrakeeladri among major temples in the State was being adversely impacted.
He reminded staff and contractors that devotees often face stress during peak rush hours and should not be scolded or treated harshly. Security, sanitation, and other service personnel should consider themselves servants of the Goddess rather than authorities, and extend full cooperation to devotees, he said.
Issuing a stern warning, Mr. Naik made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for misconduct. He directed that licences of contractors found behaving disrespectfully towards devotees be cancelled and their security deposits confiscated as penalty if there is no improvement in conduct.
Published – February 23, 2026 04:50 pm IST
