TIRUPATI: Pilgrims visiting Tirumala need no longer worry about fake laddus. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has obtained Geographical Indication Register Certificate (similar to a patent) for its famous laddu. The certificate was issued by the Controller General of Patents, Design and Trade Mark, Department of Industrial Promotion, Minister of Commerce and Industries, Government of India.
The application for GIR certificate was made in March, 2008, so as to crub the menace of black marketeers and hawkers who have been selling fake laddus to guillible pilgrims taking advantage of the rising demand for Srivari Prasadam.
Speaking to mediapersons, TTD Chairman DK Audikesavulu and TTD Executive Officer IYR Krishna Rao confirmed GIR certificaton. However, they said they were yet to receive the certificate. ‘‘Once it is received, details will be elaborated,’’ they said.
TTD officials say GIR certificate will effectively curb the fake laddu menace. Moreover, it will give a legal standing to the TTD authorities in cases against hawkers. The TTD had, in the past, a tough time dealing with litigations surrounding its laddu. According to TTD officials, the temple kitchen known as Potu, which has been modernised over the decades, prepares approximately 1.5 lakh laddus every day. The production is increased by another 50 to 75 per cent on peak days. Earlier, the price of a laddu was just Rs 10 but during the last two years, it has been hiked to Rs 25.