Odisha government hikes Temple Grants
Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): The Odisha government has significantly increased the financial grant allocated to temples across the state.
The move sees the total grant amount rise from Rs 5 crore to Rs 7.50 crore, marking an increase of Rs 2.5 crore in financial assistance.
The decision affects a large number of religious institutions, with the increased special financial grant being provided to 4,145 temples.
The announcement was made by Law Minister Pithviraj Harichandan in the State Assembly, while responding to a question raised by MLA Tankadhar Tripathy.
The Minister confirmed that the substantial rise in the grant money is aimed at bolstering the maintenance, administrative functions, and regular rituals of the temples that come under state purview.
According to the official data, the state’s Debottara Commission currently oversees more than 18,000 temples. The special financial grant has been targeted at the aforementioned 4,145 temples to ensure their continued operation and upkeep.
This increase is seen as a major step by the state government towards supporting the cultural and religious heritage of Odisha.
