CM Naveen Patnaik Unveils Welfare Schemes for Puri Shri Jagannath Temple Servitors

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at enhancing the welfare of the dedicated servants of Puri Shri Jagannath Temple, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced a slew of schemes. The initiatives focus on increasing allowances, health insurance coverage, and providing coaching support for the entrance exams of family students. These welfare measures will be executed by the Shrimandi administration.

The decision follows Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s awareness of the challenges faced by the temple servants, brought to his attention during visits by Shrimandi administration and Naveen Odisha Chairman Karthik Pandian. The welfare schemes are a testament to the government’s commitment to the well-being of those serving at the revered Shri Jagannath Temple.

Under the newly announced schemes:

Enhanced Health Insurance: The health insurance coverage for the temple servants and their families has been raised from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. An additional Rs. 5 lakh will be provided specifically for the treatment of critical illnesses.

Educational Support: For students from families serving at the temple, a maximum assistance of Rs. 50,000 per year will be offered for various entrance exams, including NEET, JEE, and Civil Services coaching. This support aims to ease the financial burden on families aspiring for higher education for their children.

To implement these welfare schemes effectively, the State Government has allocated a fund of Rs. 10.85 crores to the Shrimandi administration. This funding encompasses various enhanced allowances, health insurance increments, coaching assistance, and additional support to temple employees.