Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, granted approval on Friday for the lease of Government land measuring Ac. 1.00 dec. to the Odisha Kulta Samaj at Puri. The designated land, situated in Mouza-Puri Sahar Unit-No-34, Balukhanda under Puri Tahasil, will be provided free of premium and incidental charges. However, the Odisha Kulta Samaj will be subject to a nominal annual ground rent of Rs 100 per acre and cess at 75% of the annual ground rent.
The purpose of this land allocation is to facilitate the construction of a dharamshala by the Odisha Kulta Samaj, which will serve as accommodation for devotees visiting Puri.
The initiative stemmed from a delegation representing the Odisha Kulta Samaj, which included members from Boudh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, and Brajrajnagar. In November 2022, the delegation met with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at his residence in Bhubaneswar, presenting a proposal to allocate a piece of land in Puri for the construction of a dharamshala. The request aimed to provide lodging facilities for devotees belonging to the Kulta community.
The Odisha Cabinet’s decision aligns with the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to religious and cultural welfare, ensuring accessible facilities for pilgrims and visitors to religious sites.
This move reflects the government’s dedication to fostering inclusive development and facilitating the realization of community-centric projects that cater to the diverse needs of the population. The dharamshala in Puri is expected to play a crucial role in providing convenient and comfortable accommodation for members of the Kulta community during their visits to the sacred city.