Hindu Religious Endowments Act Set for Modern Update in Odisha

The Odisha government is preparing significant amendments to the Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1951, aiming to modernise the administration of temples, monasteries, and other religious institutions across the state.

A high‑level meeting chaired by Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan at Lok Seva Bhawan reviewed proposals to restructure outdated provisions of the Act.

Key focus areas include redefining the powers of commissioners and additional commissioners, restructuring the cadre system, and creating new posts to strengthen institutional management.

Officials emphasised that the reforms are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial oversight in temple administration.

By updating the legal framework, the government seeks to ensure efficient governance of centuries‑old religious institutions while aligning them with contemporary needs.