Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has increased financial aid for temples across the state. The grant has risen from 5 crore rupees to 7.5 crore rupees. Law minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed the Assembly of this decision in a written reply. Government data shows that Odisha has more than 18,000 temples under the endowment commission. At present, 4,145 temples receive state support for rituals and daily operations.
Officials say the allocation will help temples manage maintenance, electricity and essential religious duties. Records show that temples received 26.50 crore rupees over the past five years for routine expenses and events. Harichandan said the increase will ease operational costs for the institutions.
Temple related decisions have been a priority since the BJP formed the government. One of the first major steps was the opening of all four gates of the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple. Devotees had demanded this for many years. The government also ordered an inspection of the Ratna Bhandar, the temple treasury, which had remained closed for decades.
Political analysts say the government is strengthening its appeal among Hindu voters through a visible focus on temples. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been visiting major shrines, including the Ghatagaon Tarini temple in Keonjhar. He has also announced new development plans for several religious sites.
Community members and observers are watching how these moves influence governance and public spending. They also note the need for balanced support for all religious communities in a diverse state.
