Odisha to frame comprehensive policy for preservation & management of temples : Law Minister

Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UNI) The Odisha government will soon formulate a comprehensive policy to ensure systematic rituals and efficient management of ancient temples across the state, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said today .

Alongside this policy, the government will focus on the preservation, restoration, and improvement of temples, the Minister added.

Harichandan said the state will draw inspiration from best practices adopted in other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to frame an effective policy for Odisha.

Officials of the Endowment Department will be directed to visit various regions to assess the condition of ancient temples. Based on their findings, necessary measures will be taken for temple restoration and the standardisation of rituals.

Chairing a review meeting on the status of both ancient and other temples, the Minister said discussions were held on various fronts, including, modernization of the Endowment Commissioner’s website to provide updated information to the public, policy formulation for both endowment and privately owned temples, organizing religious festivals, Provision of special grants for temple management, licensing for the right to perform worship, clear definition of duties and responsibilities for Trust Boards, and strengthening the management of Hindu religious institutions under the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowments (OHRE) Act, 1951.

Harichandan urged departmental officials to work in coordination to realise the vision of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for the holistic development of religious institutions across the state.