Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards facilitating digital donations to the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, the Odisha government on Wednesday reviewed plans to operationalise an e-Hundi system that would enable devotees from across India and abroad to contribute online to the temple’s donation fund.
The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. Senior officials from the Law Department and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) participated in the deliberations on the implementation of the digital donation platform.
Officials said the proposed e-Hundi system would allow devotees to make offerings to the temple remotely on special occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries and in fulfilment of personal vows and prayers. The initiative is aimed at catering to the long-standing demand from Jagannath devotees residing outside Odisha and overseas who wish to contribute to the temple’s Hundi without visiting Puri.
During the meeting, discussions focused on ensuring a smooth and secure implementation of the system. It was noted that donations made through the e-Hundi platform would be eligible for income tax benefits under applicable provisions. Funds received through the system would be utilised exclusively for the development and welfare activities of the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Harichandan stressed the need for robust safeguards to prevent cyber fraud and directed officials to take all necessary measures to ensure that cyber criminals are unable to exploit the online platform.
Once operational, the e-Hundi system is expected to provide millions of devotees worldwide with a convenient and transparent mechanism to offer donations to Lord Jagannath’s temple.
Among those present at the meeting were Law Commission Chairman Justice Biswanath Rath, SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Padhee, Law Department Principal Secretary Dr Pabitra Mohan Samal, Special Secretary Pranab Kumar Patra and Additional Secretary Shiba Prasad Mahapatra, along with other senior officials.
