Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Odisha to Amend Jagannath Temple Act
The Odisha government is making changes to the rules for the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
They want to make sure the temple gets money from its lands and that people follow the rules inside the temple.
They are also upgrading Puri to a bigger city status so that it can have better roads and services.
This will help more people visit the temple and enjoy their stay.
The government is also making sure that people who live on temple land have rights, and they are taking steps to stop people from spreading false information about the temple.
Odisha government to amend Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 and Uniform Land Settlement Policy, 2003 for better temple management.
Temple owns 60,426.943 acres in Odisha and 395.252 acres in six other states, but faces issues with encroachment and revenue.
Reforms aim to benefit both the temple and those living on its lands, increasing the temple's corpus fund.
Puri Municipality upgraded to Puri Municipal Corporation for improved infrastructure and civic amenities.
Four other towns declared Notified Area Councils, and Berhampur Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction expanded.
- Who
- Odisha government, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
- What
- Amendment of Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 and Uniform Land Settlement Policy, 2003; Puri Municipality upgraded to Municipal Corporation
- When
- Effective from Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Puri, Odisha
- Why
- To improve temple management, increase revenue, and enhance civic amenities and infrastructure
- Temple Land
- 60,426.943 acres in Odisha, 395.252 acres in 6 other states
- Encroached Land
- Private persons and poor servitors occupying temple lands without rights
- Policy Reform
- Uniform Land Settlement Policy, 2003 to be reformed
- Temple Act Amendment
- Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 to be amended
- New Municipal Corporation
- Puri Municipality upgraded to Puri Municipal Corporation
- Gram Panchayats Integrated
- 7-8 gram panchayats from Puri Sadar and Brahmagiri blocks
- Notified Area Councils
- Loisingha, Chandikhol, Jashipur, Basta
- Berhampur Expansion
- Jurisdiction of Berhampur Municipal Corporation expanded
