Odisha Govt takes ordinance route for Lingaraj Temple management reforms

Bhubaneswar: The State Cabinet today approved a proposal for enactment of an ordinance to constitute a Managing Committee for the affairs of Shri Lingaraj Temple and its properties.

With this ordinance, a 15-member committee will manage the Lingaraj Temple and its properties to ensure better administration and governance. An Administrator will be appointed to look after the day-to-day affairs of the management of the Temple.

An official said the temple administration will be further empowered and strengthened by this new law to more effectively execute the elaborate rituals and seva-puja as well as administration or management of the affairs of the temple. Several developmental works of the temple will be undertaken effectively to ensure its safety, security and beautification.

Presently the management of the 11th-century shrine is governed under the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Act, 1951.

On December 2, 2020, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited the Lingaraj Temple while taking an on-spot review of Ekamra Kshetra heritage project. During a discussion, the sevayats requested the Chief Minister for a Lingaraj Temple Act.

Also, the State Cabinet approved a proposal for construction of a 100-seated new government Medical College & Hospital at Jajpur and construction of a 650-bedded medical college and hospital at Puri.

The total cost of the projects is about Rs 651 crores which would be completed in three years.

Meanwhile, servitors (sevayats) welcomed the decision of the State government to bring an ordinance for management of the affairs of Lingaraj Temple. They burnt earthen lamps in front of the temple.

“This will ensure smooth functioning of rituals at the Lingaraj Temple. We believe once the ordinance becomes an Act sevayats will be benefitted as well,” said a servitor.