In a major announcement on the sidelines of the 79th Independence Day celebrations in Puri, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed that the long-awaited Srimandir Managing Committee will be constituted within the next week.
The move marks a crucial step in strengthening administrative oversight of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, including a long-pending official inventory of the Ratna Bhandar’s valuables and ornaments.
Addressing the public after hoisting the national flag at Talabania Sports Complex, the Minister said that all procedural formalities for the Committee’s formation have been completed by the Odisha government.
Once in place, the Committee will oversee the meticulous counting and verification of the Ratna Bhandar’s jewels and valuables in the presence of two senior Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials.
“In the next three to five days or a week at maximum, a Managing Committee for the Temple will be constituted. Then, approval from the Managing Committee will enable the high-level Committee to start its duties. In the presence of the Committee members, two RBI officials will begin the process of assessing and documenting the Ratna Bhandar’s valuables. It will all be done within a week,” the Law Minister said.
Independence Day Parade Features Srimandir Security Force Debut
Earlier in the morning, the Minister unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute at the Independence Day parade, which saw 46 contingents march past at the Talabania Sports Complex.
For the first time, the Srimandir Security Force joined the parade, alongside the Home Guards, NCC cadets from various schools and colleges, and Scouts and Guides.
The minister noted that the new government in Odisha has now completed 13 months in office and reaffirmed its focus on both promoting Jagannath culture and implementing measures for the welfare of devotees.