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Puri: Abolition of hereditary services and appointment of servitors still remains a bone of contention even though a detailed discussion was done at the Chhatisa Nijog meeting held in Puri today on the disciplinary reforms suggested by the Supreme Court.
Chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Pradipta Mohapatra today stated that there was a detailed discussion on the proposals while consensus could not be reached on three points.
“A detailed discussion on all the 12 proposals was held in the meeting. There is absolutely no objection on nine proposals while there are some differences over abolition of Annaadaan Atika, ban on placing of Thali and pitchers by servitors for collecting donations and amendment of the Jagannath Temple Act,” said Mohapatra.
Mohapatra further informed that the servitors were accommodative towards several proposals and it has been clearly stated that there will be no change in the conduct of daily rituals and other festivals of Lord Jagannath.
“The servitors will submit their views in writing on the issue of hereditary service and appointment of servitors before the Amicus Curiae,” Mohapatra added.
It is pertinent to mention here that the apex court on June 8 had sought a report from the Puri District Judge on ways to curb mismanagement and alleged exploitation of the devotees at Puri Srimandir.
Subsequently, the Puri district judge had suggested a plethora of measures for the 12th century shrine including abolition of hereditary appointment of servitors, prohibition on collection of money for Annadan Atika by servitors, ban on placing thali and pitchers to receive donation, provision of separate toilets for men and women, queuing system for hassle free darshan among others.
