Bhubaneswar, July 16: In a significant move towards integrating technology with religious services, the Odisha government on Thursday introduced ‘Samarpan’, a digital hundi system that enables devotees to make cashless donations at temples across the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officially inaugurated the initiative, describing it as an important step towards ensuring transparency, convenience and accountability in the management of temple offerings.

The Samarpan platform has been developed to provide devotees with multiple digital payment options, including UPI, QR code scanning, debit cards, credit cards and other electronic payment methods. The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on cash donations while making the process of contributing to temples quicker, safer and more efficient.

Addressing the gathering during the inauguration, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to embracing digital technology in public services without compromising Odisha's rich spiritual and cultural traditions. He stated that the digital hundi system would make it easier for devotees from different parts of the country and abroad to offer donations to temples in a secure and transparent manner.

Officials associated with the project said the initiative has been designed to improve financial accountability in temple administration. Every transaction made through the digital hundi will be recorded electronically, and devotees will receive an instant acknowledgement or receipt for their contribution. This digital record is expected to enhance trust among devotees while simplifying the accounting process for temple authorities.

The government also highlighted that reducing cash transactions would minimise the risks associated with handling, storing and transporting large amounts of money. The use of digital payments is expected to strengthen financial management and improve the overall efficiency of temple operations.

According to officials, the Samarpan system will initially be introduced in selected temples before being expanded to other religious institutions across Odisha in a phased manner. Based on the response from devotees and temple management committees, the government plans to extend the facility to more temples in the coming months.

The launch reflects Odisha's broader efforts to promote digital governance and encourage the adoption of technology in public services. By introducing digital payment facilities in places of worship, the state aims to provide devotees with a seamless and user-friendly experience while ensuring that temple funds are managed with greater transparency.

The initiative is also expected to benefit pilgrims visiting Odisha's famous temples, particularly those who increasingly rely on digital payment methods in their daily lives. Devotees will no longer need to carry cash to make offerings, making the donation process more convenient and secure.

With Samarpan, the Odisha government seeks to strike a balance between preserving age-old religious practices and embracing modern technological advancements. The digital hundi initiative is expected to transform the way temple donations are made, setting a new benchmark for transparent and efficient management of offerings while enhancing the overall experience of devotees visiting temples across the state.

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