Bhubaneswar: In a bold move toward digitizing religious administration and reinforcing statutory compliance, Law Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan inaugurated a specialized training program for newly recruited officers of the Debottar Sector under Department of Law at the Secretariat Training Institute.
The initiative underscores the government’s intent to streamline the management of temple endowments, rituals, and properties through a blend of legal rigor and technological intervention. Principal Secretary Law, Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal graced the occasion along with other senior officials.
The Minister emphasized that the Debottar Department holds a fiduciary responsibility over temple assets, expenditure accounts, and the preservation of traditional rites. To enhance accountability, the department is currently deliberating the implementation of an online grievance redressal mechanism designed for the swift resolution of administrative disputes. Furthermore, a comprehensive digital repository detailing the history and assets of ancient temples is being integrated into the departmental website to benefit researchers, tourists, and the general public.
Addressing the legal complexities inherent in endowment management, Minister Harichandan noted that a thorough understanding of the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowments Act and its associated rules is non-negotiable for administrative efficiency. He asserted that grassroots-level officers equipped with sound legal knowledge could preemptively resolve many systemic issues, thereby ensuring a transparent and efficient administration.
The inaugural session featured a legal discourse by retired Justice A.S. Naidu, who advised officers to master the procedural nuances of endowment laws. He highlighted that the intersection of tradition and legal statutes requires a precise interpretive approach to maintain the sanctity of religious institutions while safeguarding their material assets.
Principal Secretary, Law, Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal further urged the cadre to adopt an innovative yet disciplined approach to public service, emphasizing the need for patience and professional integrity. The event was attended by Debottar Commissioner Shri Lalatendu Jena, Deputy Commissioner Shri Dillip Kumar Satpathy, and Additional Secretary Shri Shiba Prasad Mohapatra, marking a pivotal step in the professionalization of religious endowment governance in the state.