The state government on Wednesday reviewed a proposed framework for settling lands recorded in the name of Lord Jagannath and occupied for generations by servitors, Nijogs and religious institutions (Maths).
File Photo: IANS
The state government on Wednesday reviewed a proposed framework for settling lands recorded in the name of Lord Jagannath and occupied for generations by servitors, Nijogs and religious institutions (Maths).
A high-level review meeting, chaired by Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, deliberated on measures to provide eligible long-term occupants with legally recognised land tenure while ensuring the orderly management of temple properties.
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The proposed initiative seeks to address longstanding issues relating to the occupancy and settlement of temple lands by traditional stakeholders associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple. Officials discussed modalities for granting land rights to servitors, Nijogs and Maths that have resided on or managed such lands for decades, thereby providing them with greater legal security and clarity over their holdings.
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The Minister emphasised the need for a transparent, equitable and legally robust settlement mechanism that protects the interests of traditional beneficiaries while preserving the sanctity and ownership of temple assets. He noted that the proposed reforms would bring greater efficiency and accountability to the administration of Shree Jagannath Temple lands.
The meeting also reviewed the potential of the settlement process to strengthen the temple’s financial resources. Revenue generated through the proposed framework is expected to accrue to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), thereby contributing to the temple’s corpus and developmental activities.
Once implemented, the initiative is expected to benefit a large number of servitors, Nijogs and Maths while ushering in a more streamlined, transparent and sustainable system of temple land management, officials concluded.
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