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India Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Odisha to go for trademark shield for Jagannath temple amid row with Bengal
The BJP-led Odisha government has decided to secure trademark rights for certain words and logos associated with the iconic Jagannath Mandir in Puri amid a running feud with Bengal after it named a newly built temple 'Jagannath dham'.While the final list of words is being finalised, an official said the terms like Shree Jagannath Dham (place), Srimandir (temple), mahaprasad (bhog), nilachal (Puri also known as Nilachal) dham, bada danda (the main route to the temple) would be patented, PTI emotions I felt during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha are beyond sacred space belongs to our Ma, Mati, Manush, and has been brought to life through the collective efforts of the HIDCO team, local residents, artists, industrialists, and devotees Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2025advertisementThe decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) that was chaired by Dibyasingha Deb, the maharaja of Puri, and was attended by the 12th-century shrine's chief administrator, district collector and top police officers. Confirming the development, SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said the trademark decision was taken to protect the cultural, religious and spiritual identity of the Puri temple."This will help prevent misuse of the 12th century temple's original spiritual identity and unauthorised use of its sacred terminology," PTI quoted Padhee as IS THE ROW?At the centre of the row is the Mamata Banerjee-led Bengal government's move to name the newly built temple in Digha as 'Jagannath dham'.The Mohan Majhi-led Odisha government has argued that 'Jagannath dham' could only be used to refer to the Puri temple - one of India's four sacred 'dhams' - issue was also brought up by the Puri maharaja during the temple committee meeting."The West Bengal government cannot use the term 'Jagannath Dham' for their temple at Digha. This is against Hindu scriptures and the age-old tradition of Lord Jagannath," PTI quoted Dibyasingha Deb as was also speculation that surplus sacred neem wood from the Nabakalebara ceremony at the Puri temple was used to create idols for West Bengal's Jagannath temple. However, both states have rejected such MAJHI'S LETTER TO MAMATA BANERJEEThe Odisha Chief Minister also wrote to his Bengal counterpart earlier this month, urging the government to reconsider using the term 'Jagannath Dham' for the Digha his letter, Majhi said using the term for any other temple or location other than the one in Puri hurts the sentiments of millions of devotees - a majority of whom are from fact, Bengal accounts for a substantial portion of the tourist footfall to Puri. According to the latest government data, in 2023, of the 97.25 lakh domestic tourists who visited Puri, the largest number, 13.59 lakh, or 14%, were from the first BJP Chief Minister of Odisha, also made it clear in his latest interview with TOI that Puri was the abode of Lord Jagannath and was the only Jagannath Dham."It is one of the Char Dhams, established since the time of Adi Shankaracharya. No one, including any political leader, can replicate or shift that faith," he told Reel
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
WB govt providing Rs 1.2 lakh per family under 'Banglar Bari (Gramin)' scheme to 12 lakh families: CM
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 20 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced that the State government was providing a total of Rs 1.2 lakh per family, in two instalments, under the 'Banglar Bari (Gramin)' scheme to 12 lakh poor and eligible families in the state for the construction of their houses. In a post on X, CM Mamata Banerjee shared, 'We are proud that our state government, entirely with its own funds, is providing a total of Rs 1,20,000 per family in two installments under the 'Banglar Bari (Gramin)' scheme to 12 lakh poor and eligible families of Bengal for building their houses.' The Chief Minister extended her greetings to all the beneficiaries. 'The first instalment, amounting to Rs 7,200 crore, was disbursed last December. Today, the second instalment of Rs 7,200 crore has also started being directly credited to their bank accounts. Thus, I am happy to say, our government has spent a total of Rs 14,400 crore from its own funds for the construction of houses under this scheme. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone,' she added. CM Mamata Banerjee also announced that the scheme will benefit another 16 lakh eligible families, who will receive their first instalment in December 2025 and the second in May next year. 'We will also build houses for another 16 lakh eligible families. They will receive their first instalment in December this year and the second instalment in May 2026. I extend my advance best wishes to them as well,' she said. Meanwhile, earlier on May 14, CM Mamata Banerjee said there is a strong demand for industrialisation in the state and announced plans to build a new International Information Technology Entertainment and Cultural Park (IITEC Park) in Kolkata. The project will be developed in partnership with the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said, 'There is great demand for industrialisation in West Bengal. We are trying to process and give clearance to the requests. In 23 districts, we will create big markets. The building will be constructed by private parties. We will give the land to the self-help group without money. The self-help group will get a permanent market. Out of the 23 districts, we have cleared 11 places. The remaining 12 are in process.' She mentioned that the districts where sites have been cleared include Purulia, Darjeeling, Bankura, Cooch Behar, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Murshidabad, Paschim Medinipur, and North Dinajpur. 'Other places would be finalised in the next cabinet meeting. In Digha Jagannath Dham, a new market is also being planned. In Digha, an International Convention Centre has been built, which will be done in Siliguri. We have done Kalighat skywalk, Swami Vivekananda home, Sister Nivedita home, Tarapith and several other projects,' Banerjee said. 'With HIDCO in New Town under the PPP model, in 25 acres of land, we are going to build an International Information Technology Entertainment and Cultural Park (IITEC Park). A lot of programmes will be held here,' she added. (ANI)
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Can a state govt build a temple?': PIL in Calcutta HC seeks probe into funding of Digha's Jagannath Temple
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was moved in the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday alleging 'irregularities' in the administration and functioning of the newly inaugurated Jagannath Dham temple in Digha. West Bengal. The matter was mentioned before the division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das De, which granted permission to file the petition formally. The petitioner questioned how tax exemptions on donations can be justified if the temple is officially part of a 'West Bengal government-funded cultural centre'. The petition claims that the temple is being operated under the guise of a private trust. However, the address listed for donations is allegedly that of HIDCO (Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation), a government agency. The petitioner has called for an investigation into how a trust can legally use the premises and resources of a state-run body. Another issue raised in the PIL is the recruitment of civic volunteers for temple-related duties. The petitioner stated that the state cabinet approved the hiring of approximately 100 civic volunteers for the temple, and a notification has been issued in this regard. The petition urges the court to direct the temple authorities to clarify the legal and administrative basis for such recruitment. The Jagannath Dham temple, inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30, is modeled after the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Built in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, the temple was developed at a cost of Rs 250 crore by the state government. More than 800 artisans contributed to the project, which aims to position Digha as a major religious and tourist destination. According to sources, the state government also plans to organize an annual Ratha Yatra at the temple site.
News18
30-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
Can Mamata Banerjee Use Govt Funds To Build Digha Jagannath Temple?
Last Updated: A grand Jagannath temple in Digha, costing Rs 250 crore, was built under CM Mamata Banerjee. Opposition accuses her of using public funds for political gains In the tranquil coastal city of Digha, West Bengal, a grand Jagannath temple, spanning 22 acres and costing Rs 250 crore, has been constructed under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This impressive temple, built by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), opens to the public on Wednesday. However, the project has sparked controversy, with opposition parties accusing Banerjee of using the temple for political gains, specifically aiming to cater to Hindu voters. Who Funded The Temple Project According to Article 27 of the Indian Constitution, the government is prohibited from funding religious places with taxpayers' money. However, Banerjee justifies the temple's construction by citing Bengal's historical significance in the Bhakti movement. The entire amount has been spent from the government treasury. Initiated in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 143 crore, the temple's construction faced delays due to the pandemic. Resuming in 2022, the project ultimately reached completion at an expenditure of about Rs 250 crore. What Makes The Digha Jagannath Temple Unique The temple, designed in the style of the Jagannath temple in Puri, features red sandstone from Rajasthan and Vietnamese marble floors. Standing 65 metres tall, the temple's construction involved over 2,000 artisans, including 800 from Rajasthan. The temple can accommodate thousands of devotees across its three pavilions and includes facilities for religious and cultural programmes, as well as lodging, a fire station, and a police post. Trinamool Congress has dismissed these allegations, maintaining that Banerjee's secular credentials remain intact. Political analysts, however, suggest that the temple might be an attempt by Banerjee to bolster her image amid rising Hindutva politics in the state. What Does the Constitution Say About Building Religious Places India is a secular country as stated in the Constitution, meaning the government neither endorses nor opposes any religion. Article 27 of the Indian Constitution clearly articulates this stance by stating, 'No person shall be required to pay any tax, the proceeds of which are exclusively applied for the expenses of any particular religion or religious denomination or for promoting any religious function." This implies that the government cannot use tax revenue to construct temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, or any other religious places. However, the government may allocate funds for the renovation and preservation of religious sites of historical significance or to promote tourism under certain circumstances. Government Expenditure On Religious Programs And Activities Despite several controversies, the government has allocated funds for temporary arrangements at Kumbh Mela and other religious festivals. Additionally, special assistance and facilities have been provided for religious pilgrimages like Haj Yatra and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. What Does The Constitution Say About Religion Articles 25-28 of the Constitution of India addresses this clearly: Article 25: Every citizen has the freedom to believe in, propagate, and practice religion. Article 26: Religious institutions have the right to manage their own religious affairs. Article 27: The state cannot use taxpayers' money to promote any particular religion. Has Any Temple Been Built At Government Expense In India Generally, no. However, in certain cases, government funds have been used to renovate, preserve, or rebuild historical temples. The Indian government allocates money for the preservation and maintenance of ancient religious sites such as temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras. This funding is provided for cultural and heritage conservation purposes, not for religious reasons. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor was constructed by the state government to promote tourism and provide convenience for devotees. Similarly, the state and central governments worked together to develop the infrastructure and facilities around the Kedarnath Temple during its reconstruction. However, no government funds were used for the sanctum sanctorum or the religious rituals of the temple. Controversy Over State Funding Of Religious Activities The Haj subsidy was initiated in 1959, where the Government of India provided financial assistance to Muslims for the Haj pilgrimage, covering expenses like air tickets, medical facilities, and food. This practice often faced opposition and was criticised for allegedly violating Article 27 of the Constitution. In 2012, the Supreme Court suggested its gradual phase-out, and the government fully abolished the subsidy in 2018. In another instance, the 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust' was established to oversee the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Although the temple was funded through public donations, the Uttar Pradesh government used state funds for infrastructure and facilities (such as roads, electricity, and tourism) around the temple. This led to opposition parties accusing the government of violating secularism. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government spent over Rs 700 crore on developing the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex and constructing a corridor to the Ganga Ghat, which also drew criticism from the opposition for allegedly using taxpayers' money for temple infrastructure. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : constitution Digha Funding jagannath Mamata Banerjee Opposition religious Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: April 30, 2025, 15:18 IST News india Can Mamata Banerjee Use Govt Funds To Build Digha Jagannath Temple? | Explained
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- The Hindu
Digha gets ready for grand Jagannath temple inauguration
Digha, a coastal town in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district, has been decked up for the inauguration of Lord Jagannath temple, which will be similar to the famous shrine in Puri. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the ₹250-crore temple, built on 20 acres of land, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ms. Banerjee arrived in Digha on Monday and visited the temple twice during the day taking stock of the preparations. Tourist attraction 'This temple will add a new feather to Digha's tourism [cap] and will be recognised at the international level. Significant development work has been carried out in Digha. The new face of Digha is already attracting more tourists,' the Chief Minister said. The Trinamool Congress chairperson emphasised on 'Shorbo Dhormo Somonnoy' religious harmony and said that the temple will emerge as a confluence of spirituality and harmony. 'Today, I visited Digha to personally review the preparations for the temple's inauguration and the grand Mahayajna. Necessary instructions have been issued to ensure seamless arrangements for all devotees arriving from across Bengal and beyond. Let us come together to celebrate this sacred milestone in our collective journey,' Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X. Digha is an important tourist destination in the State and the Chief Minister emphasised that the town had a charm of its own as it was on the coast. 'Now, if it becomes a place of pilgrimage, more tourists will come. I think the sculptors have done a splendid job,' she said. The official invitation said that the temple will host Maha Yajna ahead of Prana Pratistha (consecration ceremony) on Tuesday and Wednesday (on the occasion of Akshay Trithiya) and the inauguration ceremony will commence at 2.30 p.m. The Chief Minister came up with the idea of the temple in December 2018 and the work on it started in May 2022. The temple is a replica of the 12th-century world famous shrine in Puri and its inauguration has been a much-awaited event. The coastal town has been painted blue and white — the colours of West Bengal government — and all roads leading to the temple have been illuminated with decorative lights. Promoted as Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra by the West Bengal government, the temple has been developed by Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP raised a question as to whether 'Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra' (cultural center) was being inaugurated or Jagannath Temple. 'The tender documents of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation reveal that Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra has been built at Digha? ...You must reprint the invitation card with proper clarity. You can also send me a reply clarifying whether HIDCO has built a Temple or a Cultural Centre,' Mr. Adhikari said. The BJP leader said that on April 30, his party would start the rebuilding and restoration work of the 'vandalised Hindu temples of the Murshidabad district' and added that funds would not be sought or received from the Mamata Banerjee government. Riots broke out in Murshidabad on April 11 and 12 in which three persons were killed and hundreds were rendered homeless. Ms. Banerjee is likely to visit Murshidabad after the Digha temple inauguration.
