In an effort to combat the exploitation of devotees by intermediaries, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is currently investigating the potential use of facial recognition technology to verify the identities of pilgrims visiting the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala. This initiative seeks to introduce transparency and accountability to the process of booking darshan tickets and accommodation.
Under the guidance of Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao, the IT department of the TTD has conducted a thorough analysis of both online and offline booking data from previous years. The analysis revealed a troubling trend of exploitation by intermediaries, as evidenced by multiple room and ticket bookings associated with the same mobile number or email address.
Concretely, the data identified 110 rooms reserved under a single mobile number, 807 accommodation bookings linked to a specific mobile number, and 926 online bookings tied to a particular email address. Additionally, there were 1,279 lucky dip registrations and 48 dip registrations using the same mobile phone number and email address, respectively.
To address these concerns, the TTD has taken measures to block the mobile numbers, email addresses, and identity documents used for these unauthorized bulk bookings. Furthermore, the temple trust board is contemplating the integration of Aadhaar numbers to further authenticate the identities of devotees.
The proposed implementation of facial recognition technology and Aadhaar integration aims to strengthen the authentication process and prevent fraudulent activities. By enforcing more stringent authentication measures, the TTD aims to ensure that devotees have equitable and transparent access to darshan tickets and accommodations, without falling victim to exploitation by intermediaries.
The TTD’s commitment to combatting fraudulent activities and enhancing transparency underscores its commitment to providing a seamless and authentic pilgrimage experience for all devotees visiting the esteemed Lord Venkateswara temple.
In conclusion, the TTD’s exploration of facial recognition technology and Aadhaar integration signifies a significant advancement in the fight against ticket fraud and the equitable distribution of resources for pilgrims. As the temple trust board continues to evaluate and implement these measures, the focus remains on promoting transparency and accountability within the pilgrimage booking system.
Sources:
– Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)
– Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao