Puri: A day after the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) declared to execute strict disciplinary action against servitors in case of disruption in rituals at Puri Srimandir, servitor associations at the 12th century shrine have come out to show open displeasure over the decision.
Garabadu Nijog of the temple had opposed the decision of the SJTA to suspend servitors for indiscipline in the rituals and termed it as biased.
The secretary of Garabadu Nijog Rajat Kumar Pratihari said, “The decision is unilateral as the temple administration had not discussed regarding the matter with the Chhatisa Nijog. The move by the SJTA is biased and condemnable. My question is what the SJTA will do if any sevayat gets delayed in conducting the rituals due to any accident on his way to the temple.”
A member of Managing Committee, Ananta Tiadi said, “Taking strict action only against the servitors is not enough. The government officers should also be booked for the same.”
Issuing strict warning to the servitors on the backdrop of recent disruption in rituals at the 12th century shrine, SJTA Chief Administrator Pradipta Mohapatra on Tuesday informed that if a servitor delays the rituals of the temple for three consecutive times or even deliberately indulges in delaying his duty, be it for the first time, he will be liable for dismissal from the service.
Besides, a delay in rituals for 15 minutes will attract a 25% deduction in salary of concerned servitors; 50% for 30 minutes and if there is a delay of 1 hour, whole day’s remuneration will be deducted, Mohapatra had said.
The temple administration has also decided to conduct Sakhala Dhupa and Bhoga Mandap of Lord Jagannath in order streamline the rituals of the temple.