Bhubaneswar: A 16-point reform plan for the Lingaraj Temple was submitted to Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday, with recommendations aimed at streamlining rituals, improving services and strengthening overall temple management.
The proposals are part of the second interim report of the Satwa Lipi (Record of Rights) Committee, which has been tasked with suggesting measures for better administration of the shrine. The two-member panel, headed by Justice Dr. Durga Prasanna Choudhury and comprising Sanskrit scholar Prafulla Kumar Mishra, outlined reforms covering multiple aspects of temple functioning.
Key recommendations include ensuring discipline in the conduct of rituals, renovation of the temple sanctum and kitchen, upgrading the lighting system, and introducing specialised training programmes for sevayats. The panel has also suggested improved management of the hundi (donation box) and steps to resolve long-pending land-related issues linked to the temple.
Receiving the report, the law minister said the state government would examine the recommendations in detail before taking a final call. He indicated that decisions, particularly those concerning temple rituals, would be taken after a comprehensive review to ensure better arrangements for both sevayats and devotees.
Senior officials of the law department, including Principal Secretary Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal and Additional Secretary Siba Prasad Mohapatra, were present at the time of submission.
