Odisha sets up expert panel for Jagannath temple management reforms

The Odisha government on Thursday set up a three-member expert committee to recommend measures for streamlining the functioning of the 12th century Jagannath temple at Puri.

The committee, headed by Additional Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, will study management schemes of other important shrines in the country, said a Law Department notification.

Inspector General of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi and Sri Jagannath Temple Administration member Mohimohan Tripathy are the other members of the panel which will study the management of important shrines such as Vaishno Devi, Somnath Temple, Golden Temple and Tirupati Temple and suggest changes, if necessary, for the management of Sri Jagannath temple.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked the Odisha government to constitute an expert team to study the management practices adopted by several major temples in the country and submit a report.

The committee will give its interim report by June 30 as per the Supreme Court order. (IANS)