Odisha Government Plans An Annual Aid For 18000 Temples In The State To Save Them From Dilapidation

Temples are an essential part of our culture while their maintenance and conservation take a lot of effort and assistance. Nevertheless, a new move has been put forth by the Odisha government for the maintenance of temples. The BJP government in Odisha plans to offer annual monetary support to 18,000 temples in the state, with an estimated ₹10-12 crore allocated to the Department of Law through the supplementary budget for this purpose. This annual aid is meant for the regular maintenance of the shrines, over and above what is paid to temples during the festivals of Sitalsasthi, Dussehra, and Rath Yatra.

Why Is The Odisha Government Providing Annual Assistance To Temples?

As this move has been taken by the Odisha government, Prithiviraj Harichandan, the minister of law, works, and excise, announced this decision to enhance the condition of numerous temples in Odisha. He suggested that regular maintenance and prevention of dilapidation can be achieved if the government supports these temples.

At the moment, the state provides financial aid to approximately 5,000 temples commemorating Rath Yatra, Dussehra, and Sitalsasthi, spending around ₹5-7 crore annually. This move for the assistance of temples is being seen as a part of the government’s attempt to emphasise Odia asmita (pride).

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More Focus On Temples

The Mohan Charan Majhi government in Odisha has pledged its commitment to the 12th-century Jagannath temple, reopening four closed gates since the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up a corpus fund of ₹500 crore, and unlocking the inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar after over 40 years, demonstrating their commitment to the temple.

Furthermore, the government is now focusing on other temples, as they have undergone significant renovation and restoration under Patnaik’s guidance. The Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar and the Samaleswari temple in Sambalpur received a facelift, and the Jagannath Parikrama, a 75-meter heritage corridor around the Jagannath Temple, was developed and inaugurated on January 17.

Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited is tasked with designing a blueprint to improve pilgrim movement within the Jagannath temple. The plan includes installing CCTV cameras and vibration sensors throughout the temple and the holy town of Puri. A state-of-the-art research centre is also being planned near the temple, featuring libraries, information centres, and museums. Artificial intelligence will be used to tell Jagannath’s story and provide an engaging experience for visitors.

Also Read: Diwali Long Weekend: 8 Must-Visit Ganesh Temples In India

So, during your next trip to Odisha, you may witness some changes in the maintenance of the temples.

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