Bhubaneswar: The suggestions of Justice BP Das, chief of the Commission for reformation of Puri's Lord Jagannath Temple, proposed by him after his recent visit to Tirupati temple in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, invited sharp criticism from the servitors of Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Reacting to the proposed reformation suggestions of Justice Das, senior Daitapati servitor Binayak Das Mohapatra today said, "There is vast difference between Jagannath Temple and Tirupati Temple. While servitors of Shri Jagannath Temple offer 128 types of services there is only one type of service in Tirupati. Hence the proposed reforms in Shri Jagannath Temple in line with the Tirupati Temple as suggested by the Commission are entirely out of place and is very difficult to implement. If the Commission persists with its decision, all Nijogs in the temple here will vehemently protest against it."
It may be mentioned that a team led by Justice Das had recently visited Tirupati temple to learn about the management system there. During his visit, Justice Das had met various officials including Joint Executive Officer, Chief of the Security and Fire of Tirupati temple and discussed about the security, rituals and management.
Briefing media persons about his visit, earlier in the day, Justice Das had said, "In Tirupati the security, rituals and persons offering prayers are managed by blending of two cadres. One includes the temple cadre who rise to a particular extent by means of promotion and another includes the administrative cadre taken from administrative services. Currently the administrative cadre includes health inspector, security and vigilance officers headed by a Joint Commissioner, who is an IAS officer of 2001 batch."
Mentioning that the Chittor SP is in charge of the entire security of the Tirupati temple, Justice Das added, "There is a serious need of revamp in the security system of Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri."
He further said the team led by him did not find any servitor in Tiripati temple to guide people into the temple. “But there are persons in uniform as guide working in a disciplined manner. Besides, some police personnel in civil dress move inside the temple to keep an eye on the law and order situation," he added.
Talking about the reforms of the Jagannath Temple Justice Das opined, "After going through all the affidavits I propose appointment of a Vigilance officer in the temple and we may recommend the government in this regard."