Odisha Cabinet Approves New Jagannath Temple Land Rules

According to the official statement, the new Rules have been framed under Section 32 read with sub-section (2) of Section 16 of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, superseding the Uniform Policy, 2003 and Amended Uniform Policy, 2019.

A Fully Digital Settlement Process

The government said the new rules establish a fully online, portal-based system for the receipt, verification and disposal of applications for settlement of SJT lands.

The rules mandate the constitution of a District Level Land Sub-Committee (DLSC), headed by the Collector, and a Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bhumi Sanchalan Committee (SJMBSC) at the district level for field verification and scrutiny of each application.

Under the new Rules, the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) shall issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for all settlements, ensuring institutional oversight.

How Land Will Be Valued

The rules prescribe valuation based on the higher of the Benchmark Value (BMV) and Average Land Sale Statistics (ALSS) for Sevakas, Mathas, Non-Sevakas and other beneficiaries.

Understanding BMV And ALSS: The Benchmark Value is the government-notified minimum land value used for stamp duty and registration purposes, while the Average Land Sale Statistics reflects actual recent transaction prices in an area. By valuing land at whichever figure is higher, the rules aim to prevent temple land from being settled at artificially low, outdated government rates when real market prices have since risen — protecting the temple's asset value.

Commercial land up to 0.250 decimal shall be valued at four times the BMV or ALSS, whichever is higher. Special concessions have been provided for Bijesthali of Mathas, with seva puja having continuous possession for over 30 years.

Digital Mapping And Fraud Safeguards

The rules also mandate comprehensive GIS-based digital mapping and inventory of all SJT lands through a publicly accessible digital dashboard, integrated with the Revenue & Disaster Management Department's Bhulekh/Bhunaksha portal for real-time updation.

Any settlement obtained through fraud, misrepresentation or fabricated documents shall be liable to cancellation by the SJTMC, and civil and criminal proceedings may be initiated against defaulters.

A high-level Appeal Committee headed by the Principal Secretary to Government, Law Department, has also been constituted to hear appeals from aggrieved parties.

Validity Period

The rules shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Odisha Gazette and shall remain in force for a period of two years.