TV
In a major decision, the Odisha government has decided to go for a major overhaul of the Puri Jagannath Temple’s Managing Committee. As per sources, focus will be laid on maintaining transparency.
The Odisha Law Department has also issued guidelines for recommending names of persons for nomination as members of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee under section 6 (1) (j) of the SJTA Act 1955. Usually, the Managing Committee has 18 members and the names of 7 persons are selected from sevayats and mutts.
The state government recommends the names of two persons, who have brought laurels in social service. The Managing Committee is headed by Puri Gajapati Maharaj as the permanent chairman.
Guidelines
The Chief Administrator shall request the Nijogas to send the names of at least two of its members.
The Chief Administrator shall prepare a list of 10 members out of the names, taking into account their past conduct, sincerity in conducting rituals and their relationship with other servitors within and outside his nijoga.
As per the guidelines, there is a provision for the conduct of a lottery if the Chief Administrator is unable to select the names. The guidelines clearly speak about a rotation system to enhance the chance of representation and the rotation would be limited to the Nijogas having a major stake in sevapuja.
Similarly, while selecting names, it will be ensured that two persons of the same Nijogas are not recommended. No person shall be recommended for two consecutive terms and no one would be recommended for more than two terms.
