- In response to an Orissa High Court directive, CM Patnaik has established a high-level committee to supervise the inventory of Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
- This significant development comes four months after the High Court’s order, signalling a proactive step towards addressing concerns related to the temple’s treasury.
- The State Law Minister confirmed in the Assembly in February that the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple will open for repair work during the Ratha Jatra festival this year.
- With the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator serving as the member-convenor, the committee is well-positioned to streamline the inventory process.
- The formation of this committee reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and religious sanctity associated with the Jagannath Temple.
In response to an Orissa High Court directive, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has established a high-level committee chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Arijit Pasayat to supervise the inventory of valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple. The committee, comprising 12 members including the chairman, was formed after the High Court instructed the state government to do so within a stipulated period.
This significant development comes four months after the High Court’s order, signalling a proactive step towards addressing concerns related to the temple’s treasury. The committee’s primary responsibility will be to oversee the meticulous process of cataloguing Mahaprabhu’s jewels and other invaluable assets housed within the 12th-century shrine’s treasury.
Dr. Ramakant Panda, a distinguished cardiologist, has been appointed as the vice-chairman of the committee. Alongside him, notable members such as Bidhubhushan Samal, former CMD of Allahabad Bank, and AK Sabat, a Chartered Accountant, bring diverse expertise to the table. Additionally, representatives from various key entities including Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the Archaeological Survey of India, and sevayats (temple servitors) have been included in the committee to ensure comprehensive oversight.
The State Law Minister, Jagannath Saraka, confirmed in the Assembly during the Vote-on-Account session in February that the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple will open for repair work during the Ratha Jatra festival this year. This announcement underscores the urgency and significance of the committee’s role in facilitating necessary repairs and maintenance within the temple premises.
With the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator serving as the member-convenor, the committee is well-positioned to streamline the inventory process and uphold transparency and accountability in the management of the temple’s assets.
The formation of this committee reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and religious sanctity associated with the Jagannath Temple while ensuring the efficient management of its invaluable treasures. As the committee assumes its responsibilities, stakeholders and devotees alike can anticipate enhanced measures to safeguard the temple’s legacy for generations to come.
(With inputs from agencies)