Odisha Cabinet Amends Sri Jagannath Temple Act 1954, Paves Way For Land Settlement

In a historic move, the Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved amendments to the Sri Jagannath Temple Act 1954, paving way for the immediate settlement of Jagannath land-related issues.

Earlier, people who had occupied or were in possession of temple land for long had approached the State government for the sale or transfer of the land.

“The State Cabinet has delegated powers to the temple administration and concerned officials for sale and lease of land in the name of Lord Jagannath. Henceforth, approval of the State government is not required for the sale and lease of the lands,” said Law Minister Pratap Jena.

“The land settlement process has been simplified. The temple managing committee, administrative officials and Collectors of respective districts could take decisions in this regard from now onwards. Thousands of families across the State had applied for the settlement of these lands. The latest decision by the Cabinet will be helpful for them,” said Jena.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra said that the land settlement process will be decentralised and decisions in this regard will be taken at various levels.

“It will solve the problems of people across the State who have been living on the temple land for over 50 years. The temple administration will also enhance its income with the sale of unused lands,” said Mohapatra.