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The viva voce (moukhika pareeksha) for the recruitment of Veda Parayanadars (Vedic reciters) began on Monday as part of a drive to fill vacant religious posts in major temples across the State.

Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan said that over 5,000 candidates have applied for 342 religious posts.

He added that oral examinations are underway for candidates from multi-zone I—(Srikakulam to Krishna districts) at the Madapati Guest House in Vijayawada. To ensure impartiality, the exams are being conducted by scholars from other zones and monitored by two Deputy Commissioners from outside the zone.

The examinations for candidates from multi-zone II (Guntur to Rayalaseema districts) is being held at Seethanagaram. The interview process will continue till June 16.

Mr. Ramachandra said that the entire examination process is being video recorded to ensure transparency and fairness. The merit lists will be prepared based on educational qualifications, Vedic knowledge, work experience, and performance in the viva voce. 

He added that three interview boards have been constituted to ensure an unbiased selection process. Candidates will not know in advance which board will assess them.

The Commissioner stated that after completing the recruitment process for Veda parayanadars, the department will take up filling of various vacant religious posts, including archakas (priests), paricharakas, bhajantris, temple cooks, and other temple service positions in phases.