Odisha Plans Overhaul Of Jagannath Temple Land Settlement Rules To Boost Revenue

The Odisha government is undertaking a significant overhaul of the Uniform Land Settlement Policy and amendments to the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, to improve the management of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple’s extensive land holdings. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated the reforms aim to resolve long-standing issues of land encroachment and low revenue generation from temple properties. Currently, the temple owns over 55,000 acres of land across Odisha and six other states, much of which is illegally occupied, preventing the temple from receiving income.

The revised policy will focus on settling land rights for long-term residents, including Daitapatis, Niyogs, Sevayats, and Mathas, while also maximizing revenue through leasing properties. The government anticipates an increase in the temple corpus fund as a result of these changes.

Beyond land management, amendments to the Temple Act will establish sub-committees for ritual oversight, enforce stricter conduct codes for both Sevayats and visitors, and restrict items like mobile phones and cameras within the temple premises. Public awareness campaigns promoting appropriate attire and decorum, as well as legal action against misinformation spread on social media regarding Jagannath culture, are also planned.

(Source：Odisha Bytes News)