Odisha to introduce new uniform land policy in 3 months; Lord Jagannath land dispute to be resolved in 2 years

The Odisha government is all set to bring a new ‘Uniform Land Policy’ within the next three months, announced Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan in the Odisha Assembly on Saturday. 

The new uniform land policy aims to streamline land regulations and address existing disputes effectively. The introduction of this policy is expected to bring greater uniformity and transparency in land administration, reducing legal complications and ensuring efficient governance.

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Lord Jagannath Land Dispute to be Resolved Within 2 Years

In a significant move, the Minister assured that the long-standing disputes related to the land belonging to Lord Jagannath would be resolved within the next two years. Apart from this, steps will be taken to ensure proper settlement of these lands while maintaining transparency and legal sanctity. 

The government has pledged to take necessary legal and administrative actions to prevent further disputes and ensure that temple assets are well-documented and safeguarded.

As per official records, a total of 60,426.94 acres of Jagannath land is spread across 24 districts of Odisha. Out of this, 38,061 acres have verified and updated land records, which are crucial for preventing unauthorized occupation. Additionally, 395.25 acres of Jagannath temple land are located in six different states outside Odisha, emphasizing the temple’s widespread historical and cultural significance. 

The Odisha government is also working to secure and update land records of temple-owned properties outside Odisha to prevent potential disputes in those states as well.

Land Settlement for Occupants and Encroachers

The Odisha government has decided to regularise land occupied by people who have settled on Jagannath temple property. A structured land settlement scheme will be implemented to provide rightful ownership to eligible occupants. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that genuine settlers are not displaced while maintaining the sanctity of temple lands.

For those who have encroached upon the land, the government has planned a rehabilitation measure. Encroachers will be allowed to acquire up to 100 decimals of land at concessional rates, thereby bringing unauthorized settlements into the legal framework while ensuring fair treatment. This move is expected to provide relief to a significant number of families while also preventing further unauthorized encroachments on temple property.