Odisha Govt Mulls ‘Debalaya Yojana’ for Temple, Mutt Preservation

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan revealed on Monday that the state government is considering a new initiative, the ‘Debalaya Yojana’, aimed at preserving temples and mutts throughout Odisha.

Addressing the media, Harichandan explained that the proposed scheme would tackle challenges faced by religious institutions, offering targeted solutions to enhance the upkeep and functionality of temples and mutts. “Our government recognises the issues faced by temple authorities and is developing a dedicated scheme to address these needs,” he stated.

Unlike the BJD-led government’s Augmentation Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme, which focused primarily on temple repairs, the ‘Debalaya’ Yojana under the BJP government intends to address broader issues. In its initial phase, the scheme will focus on repair, restoration and management, with a blueprint currently in the pipeline, Harichandan added.

“Our commitment lies in preserving Odisha’s rich cultural heritage by protecting its temples and mutts,” he remarked, stressing the government’s dedication to heritage preservation.