Odisha: Large Number Of Panchayats Opt For Temple Renovations With Rs 50 Lakh Grant Under State's Infra Development Fund

Weeks after receiving approval from the Odisha Cabinet for the 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' (AONO) programme, it has come to light that a significant portion of the Rs 4,000-crore fund may be used for temple renovation.

The AONO programme allocates Rs 50 lakh to each panchayat for rural infrastructure development.

While some panchayats have proposed using the funds for projects such as developing cremation grounds, purchasing sports kits, and repairing schools, there are also proposals to upgrade temple kitchens and create dining spaces on temple premises.

In Umadei Brahmapur gram panchayat, located 8 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar, the elected representatives have already decided how to spend their Rs 50 lakh ahead of the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

Each of the 11 temples in the 11 wards will receive Rs 2.5 lakh to enhance their kitchens.

According to Ramalata Nayak, the Sarpanch, "When it comes to religious sites, opinions align. Half of the windfall, Rs 25 lakh, will be used for improving temples, while another Rs 5 lakh is allocated for the development of a Jagannath Temple in the panchayat."

In the nearby Satyabhamapur panchayat in Khordha district, two temples will receive Rs 5 lakh each for the restoration of their kitchen rooms.

While the funds can be used for other infrastructure development purposes, the focus is on temple beautification.

Additionally, Rs 10 lakh will be allocated for a CCTV system in the gram panchayat samiti office room, as decided by Rashmita Bhoi, the Sarpanch of Satyabhampur.

In Jankoti gram panchayat of coastal Jagatsinghpur district, proposals have been submitted for upgrading two temple kitchens and constructing dining halls on three temple premises.

The total expenditure for these projects amounts to Rs 12.5 lakh.

There seems to be a consensus among the community regarding the degradation and maintenance of temples and the AONO fund seems to be an added benefit for panchayats that already have sufficient funds.

According to Rabi Das, a veteran journalist, in the past, candidates used to give donations to temples in an attempt to win over voters. People often demanded development of temples or community halls.

The Rs 4,000-crore fund now serves as a formal way of keeping voters happy before the elections. He further refered to it as an "election fund" provided to ruling party workers.