Following a meeting headed by the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Krishan Kumar, it was informed that SJTA is collaborating with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for repair and conservation works of the temple.

Decisions regarding the conservation of this 12th Century shrine, will be taken jointly by ASI and SJTA.

To go about the work of repair and conservation in a systematic manner, the ASI has been asked to formulate a five-year plan. Kumar also added that to meet the expenditure to be incurred on this work, the State Government will provide financial assistance if required.

The other decisions taken at the meeting included providing support to the sevayats who are closely associated with the rituals connected with Jagannath Temple. One of them was to provide sevayats homestead land for constructing houses.

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After the meeting, Kumar informed that a land measuring 600 sq feet will be provided to each of the sevayat families in the first phase. For this purpose, eight acres of land for 400 families has been identified located on the outskirts of Puri. Applications have been invited from sevayats who are interested in getting the land allotted.

Kumar said: “The sevayat families will also be provided Rs 2 lakh each for construction of the house. They can further extend their house on the allotted land by spending from their own pockets.”

Further, Kumar added that Srimandir Gurukul for sevayats’ children will be operational from the next academic session.

Sharing details with the media, Kumar said: “The Gurukul will be built on 17 acres at Matitota while the Gurukul Fund will be formed to receive donations from the individuals and organizations. The State Government will bear the entire cost towards the construction of the Gurukul.”