Odisha clears Jagannath Temple land management rules

The Odisha cabinet on Monday approved the Shree Jagannath Temple Land Management Rules, 2026, replacing the Uniform Policy, 2003, and its amended 2019 version to streamline the settlement and management of the temple lands across the state.Chief secretary Anu Garg said the new rules are aimed at bringing greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in the administration of Shree Jagannath Temple (SJT) lands through a technology-driven framework.Under the new regime, settlement of SJT lands will be carried out through a fully online, portal-based system for receiving, verifying and disposing of applications. A District Level Land Sub-Committee (DLSC), headed by the collector, and a Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bhumi Sanchalan Sub-Committee will scrutinise and verify applications at the district level. The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee will issue no-objection certificates for all settlements.The rules also prescribe uniform valuation norms based on the higher of the Benchmark Value (BMV) or Average Land Sale Statistics (ALSS) for different categories of beneficiaries, including sevayats, maths and non-sevayats. Commercial land up to 0.250 acres will be valued at four times the BMV or ALSS, whichever is higher.To strengthen protection of temple assets, govt will undertake GIS-based digital mapping and inventory of all SJT lands. The database will be maintained through a publicly accessible digital dashboard integrated with the Revenue and Disaster Management Department's Bhulekh and Bhunaksha portals for real-time updates.Officials said the digital system will help prevent encroachment, detect unauthorised occupation, monitor litigation and improve management of temple properties.The rules also contain safeguards against fraudulent settlements. Any settlement obtained through fraud, misrepresentation or forged documents can be cancelled by the temple managing committee, while violators may face civil and criminal action.A high-level appellate committee headed by the principal secretary of the law department will hear appeals filed by aggrieved parties.The new rules will come into effect after their publication in the Odisha Gazette and will remain operational for two years. Officials said the framework marks a significant step towards digital governance, protection of temple assets and resolution of claims by long-standing legitimate occupants of temple land.