A high‑level meeting was held at the Law Department conference hall in Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss proposed amendments to the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1951, aimed at improving the management of temples, monasteries, and religious institutions under the Endowments Department.
The meeting, chaired by Minister for Law, Works and Excise Prithviraj Harichandan, focused on revising outdated provisions and sub‑sections of the existing Act to make it more relevant to present‑day administrative needs. Discussions also covered restructuring the cadre system, redefining powers of commissioners and additional commissioners, and creating new posts within the department to enhance efficiency.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister Harichandan said the amended Act would ensure stronger administrative and financial supervision of temples and monasteries across the State, making their management more transparent and accountable.
The proposed reforms are expected to bring clarity and modern governance practices to the functioning of Odisha’s religious institutions, many of which are centuries old.
