The Samikhsya Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: Close on the heels of the state government’s decision for special law for management of Lingaraj temple, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to enact similar legislations for four more shrines in the State.
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Pradhan has sought special legislation for Biraja temple in Jajpur, Samaleswari temple in Sambalpur, Maa Tara Tarini temple in Ganjam and Nilamadhav temple at Kantilo.
“These temples situated in different corners of Odisha form an intangible resource of spiritual and devotional tourism, bringing not only millions of footfalls and associated revenue but also defining and manifesting in the essential day-to-day life of its citizens,” Pradhan’s letter stated.
The Union Minister has requested for formation of management committees for the four temples with delegation of power for effective management and administration.
Setting up of such committees for management of the temple affairs will ensure high standard of accountability to the management of the temples with necessary provision for budgeting, planning and audits, he felt.
It would further safeguard the long-term interest of the temples and pave the path of offering better facilities to visitors and devotees, Pradhan pointed out.
