Odisha govt announces financial assistance to old Durga Puja pandals

The Odisha Government on Thursday announced financial assistance to traditional Durga Puja pandals this festive season. In this regard, the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture has issued a letter to all the district Collectors.

According to the notification, specific criteria have been set for categorisation. A detailed report of mandaps in each district, based on their years of existence, will be prepared within two days.

As per the prescribed format, pandals over 100 years old will fall under Category ‘A’, those over 75 years under Category ‘B’, and those over 50 years under Category ‘C’.

For districts without any pandals older than 50 years, the department has instructed officials to provide details of the two oldest mandaps in that district.

Must Read: Ahead of Durga Puja, Odisha STA bans modified DJ vehicles; RTOs to face music for non-enforcement

Meanwhile, ahead of the Durga Puja, the Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a circular prohibiting the use of vehicles with unauthorised structural modifications, particularly those converted into DJ or OJ vehicles.

The order directs all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to act against alterations that violate provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Any vehicles found breaching safety and dimensional standards will face penalties, cancellation of registration and fitness certificates, and seizure.