Bhubaneswar: The State government on Thursday appointed Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee as the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
A notification issued by the Law Department stated that Padhee will also remain in his present position as Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment until further orders.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 19 of Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954 (Odisha Act, 11 of 1955), the State Government do hereby appoint Shri Arabinda Kumar Padhi, IAS, as Chief Administrator, STA, Puri in addition to his present duties for the time being and until further orders in place of Sri V.V. Yadav,” read the notification.
Padhee will succeed Vir Vikram Yadav as the chief of the Srimandir administration.
He was also the Chief Administrator of SJTA from 2012-14. He had supervised three Ghosha Jatra in a very disciplined manner. He was instrumental in bringing reforms that barred devotees to climb atop the chariots and touch the deities.
Padhee had also played a crucial role during Nabakalebar of the Holy Trinity. He had made all preparatory arrangements though he was transferred just before the grand ritual.
