Bhubaneswar, Aug 24: The Odisha government has initiated the process of amending the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1951, with the objective of strengthening the administrative and financial management of temples, maths and other religious institutions under the Endowment Department.

A high-level meeting to discuss the proposed amendments was held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday in the conference hall of the Law Department. The meeting was chaired by Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

During the meeting, officials discussed amendments to various provisions and sub-sections of the existing legislation that have become outdated over the years. The proposed changes are intended to make the law more contemporary and responsive to the present-day requirements of religious institutions.

The meeting also reviewed the powers and functions of the Commissioner, Additional Commissioner and authorised officers of the Endowment Department. Issues concerning cadre restructuring and the creation of new posts in the department were also discussed.

Speaking to the media, Minister Harichandan said the proposed amendments would help make the administrative and financial management of religious institutions more robust and effective.

Law Commissioner Justice Biswanath Rath, Law Department Principal Secretary Pabitra Mohan Samal, Endowment Commissioner Satya Narayan Sarangi and senior officials attended the meeting.

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