BHUBANESWAR, Dec 30: The Odisha Government is considering an amendment to the Shri Mandir Land Settlement Policy to reclaim and manage thousands acres of land associated with Lord Jagannath that have been encroached in and outside Odisha.
According to official sources, a lack of proper management has led to illegal occupation of these lands, resulting in no revenue for the Shri Mandir. In several areas, poor and landless Sevayats have been residing on these lands for years, but they have no legal claims.
A review meeting on the proposed amendments was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Law Minister Pruthwiraj Harichandan. The discussions focused on:
The meeting discussed proper settlement of lands in the name of Lord Jagannath,Policy changes regarding land allocation to long-standing residents, including Daityapati, Sevayats, appointees, and mathas.
It also discussed ensuring long-term residents, both Sevayats and non-Sevayats, receive benefits while improving Shri Mandir revenue.,freeing valuable Shree Jagannath property from illegal occupation and redistributing it at its highest value.
The meeting also proposed amendments to the centuries-old Shri Mandir law, covering structured rituals, Sevapooja, and temple administration.
Key measures discussed included forming sub-committees, preventing irregular practices, prohibiting banned items inside the temple, and enforcing legal provisions and penalties.
Additionally, the government resolved to create public awareness among devotees about maintaining decorum in temple premises, promoting traditional Indian attire, safeguarding Shree Jagannath culture, preventing misinformation, and taking strict action against those spreading propaganda through social media.
(UNI)
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