The State Cabinet on Monday approved a proposal to bring an Ordinance to constitute a managing committee for the affairs of the Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple and its properties to ensure their better administration. An administrator would be appointed to look after the temple’s day-to-day management.
An official said the temple administration would be further empowered by this new law to more effectively execute the shrine’s elaborate rituals as well as management. Several developmental works of the temple would be undertaken effectively to ensure its safety, security and beautification.
Presently, the management of the temple is governed under the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Act, 1951.
Notably, on December 2, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had visited the Lingaraj Temple while taking an on-spot review of the Ekamra Kshetra heritage project. During a discussion, servitors requested him for a special Lingaraj Temple Act.
The servitors welcomed the decision for an Ordinance for management of the temple affairs by burning earthen lamps in front of the shrine. “We believe the law will be benefitted us as well,” said a servitor.
Besides, the Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, also approved a proposal for construction of a new 100-seat and 500-bed Government medical college and hospital at Jajpur and a 650-bed Government medical college and hospital at Puri. The total cost of the two projects, which would be completed in three years, is about Rs 651 crore.
The Cabinet have approved the lowest bid of Larsen & Toubro Ltd amounting to Rs 224.55 crore for execution of the Puri medical college work on a turn-key basis.