Puri, Sep 3: The newly reconstituted Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee held its first official meeting, marking a significant step in temple governance and reform. Chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the meeting welcomed new members and ratified the minutes of the previous high-level committee session.

A major highlight was the formation of 14 subcommittees, each tasked with overseeing critical aspects of temple administration. These include Finance, Rituals, Ratna Bhandar Inventory, Appeals, Temple Security, Research & Publication, Sevak Welfare, Land Management, Cultural Projects, Pension Trust, Institutional Oversight, Legal Affairs, and Policy Coordination.

For the first time, a dedicated Temple Security Subcommittee was formed, led by former CAG Girish Murmu, with the District Collector, SP, and servitor representatives as members.

Another key development was the initiation of Dhadi Darshan (queue-based darshan) at the Natamandap, aimed at streamlining crowd control and enhancing devotee experience. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be drafted before implementation.

The committee also discussed inclusive infrastructure, including a ramp at the North Gate for differently-abled devotees. Additionally, the ISKCON Rath Yatra issue was debated, with concerns raised over the use of “Jagannath Dham” branding. A press briefing by the Gajapati Maharaja is scheduled for September 6 to address this.

Approval was also granted for installing a breastfeeding centre inside the temple premises, reflecting a progressive approach to devotee welfare. The committee emphasized that the term “Jagannath Dham” must not be misused and endorsed the proposal to install a symbolic Rath Chakra at the Parliament building.

This meeting sets the tone for a more structured and inclusive temple administration, aligning tradition with modern governance.

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