Bhubaneswar, 07 May (H.S.): A high-level meeting chaired by Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan was held in Bhubaneswar to review the settlement and regularisation of land belonging to Lord Jagannath, aiming to ensure systematic management and rehabilitation of long-term occupants.

The meeting focused on updating the existing Uniform Settlement Policy, 2003, to address the settlement of thousands of acres of land registered in the name of Lord Jagannath. Over the years, several sevayats, nijogs, non-sevayats, and residents have been living on these lands, some for generations. The proposed amendments aim to provide proper legal settlement to such occupants while ensuring protection of temple properties.

Officials discussed mechanisms for regularising settlements of eligible occupants, including temple servitors, associated organisations, and residents living in settlements on the deity’s land. The review also emphasised identification and inquiry into alleged encroachments and the possibility of bringing such land under auction or transparent disposal mechanisms where necessary.

Minister Harichandan stated that the initiative would benefit long-standing occupants by providing them legal clarity over their habitation while ensuring that revenues generated from unauthorised or surplus land are directed to the Lord Jagannath Temple and its management fund.

The meeting was held at the Law Department conference hall in Lok Seva Bhawan.

Key participants included Justice Biswanath Rath, Law Commission of Odisha; former Advocate General Surya Mishra; Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee; Principal Secretary, Law Department Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal; Commissioner of Endowments Satya Narayan Sadanangi; and Additional Secretary Shiv Prasad Mohapatra, among others.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda