Odisha cabinet approves Lingaraj Temple Ordinance

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha cabinet on Monday approved two proposals including a special law for management of Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

The cabinet approved Shri Lingaraj Temple Ordinance 2020 in line with Sri Jagannath Temple Act.

As the Odisha Legislative Assembly is not in session, the new law is proposed to be enacted through this ordinance.

The 11th century shrine is presently governed by Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Act.

Lingaraj Temple Act will help in better execution of rituals and management.

As per the ordinance, a Managing Committee of 15 members will be formed and empowered to manage affairs of the temple including seva-puja and nitis.

The committee will administer the temple and its properties including temples outside the premises and Mathas.

An administrator will be appointed to manage day-to-day affairs while necessary provision will be made for budget, audit & inspection. The legislation will also help in protection, management of temple properties & eviction of unauthorised occupants.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently announced that a special act will be formulated for Lingaraj Temple on the same lines of Puri Jagannath Temple.

Diyas lit infront of Lingaraj Temple after State Cabinet approved an ordinance for temple management, to safeguard temple properties and provide better facilities to devotees for offering prayers.

The Cabinet also approved tenders for construction of new medical college and hospital at Puri and Jajpur. L&T has been selected to execute both the projects.