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The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Bengal taps into ‘concert economy' with new 25-acre tech-entertainment park in New Town
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a slew of industrial initiatives in the State on Wednesday (May 14, 2025), including a new tech-entertainment park, following a cabinet meeting on the same day. 'The West Bengal government is set to develop a brand new information, technology, entertainment, and cultural park on 25 acres of land in New Town. Today we earmarked the plot of land and cleared it for the project. The subsequent steps, like releasing tenders, are underway,' the Chief Minister announced. New Town is located on the outskirts of Kolkata and has emerged as a booming business district. 'Keep in mind, whether it is innovation, entertainment, creativity, cultural programmes or many other events, the concept of a concert economy is an innovative idea. We have the infrastructure here. 25 acres is a huge land area, and this will be of international standard. Here, we can host international-level cultural events. People from across the country will also come,' the Chief Minister said. She added that the park has been named 'Biswa Angan' (courtyard of the world) in Bengali and 'IITEC' in English, which stands for 'international information, technology, entertainment, and culture'. Ms. Banerjee further said the project is being developed under a public-private-partnership (PPP) model with the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). 'We have cleared the land today, and this will be followed by a tendering process,' she said. Marketplace for local artisans On Tuesday, the Chief Minister also announced the development of new malls and large-scale marketplaces in 23 districts of the State, directed primarily towards the local artisans who are part of self-help groups (SHGs). 'We will build 23 shopping malls and big marketplaces in 23 districts. The government will give one acre of land for free. Private parties will undertake the construction. In exchange for the land, they will give two floors to the self-help groups for free,' Ms. Banerjee said. She added that the two floors will be dedicated entirely to handmade goods made locally by the district's SHGs. 'This will ensure a market for the SHGs,' the Chief Minister said. She also said that the government gave clearances for this project in 11 districts, namely Purulia, Darjeeling, Bankura, Coochbehar, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Murshidabad, Paschim Midnapore, and Uttar Dinajpur. 'Since there is now the Jagannath Dham in Digha and many visitors would like to shop from there, we are also looking for a good plot of land so we can build a good marketplace there, in addition to the existing markets,' the Chief Minister said. Other industrial projects The Chief Minister also announced that ten industrial plots with a cumulative area of 2,515 acres in the State will be allocated to multiple major companies, especially in the steel industry. 'These projects will draw investments worth over ₹25,000 crores. More than 70,000 people will benefit from direct and indirect employment,' she said. She added that on Tuesday, 15 industrial estates in the districts were allotted for the development of 43 micro and small-scale industries. She claimed that these would draw investments worth hundreds of crores and aid in job creation across the State. 'Bengal is leading in the MSME sector in the country… There is high demand for industrial growth in Bengal. We are conducting checks on lands and undertaking the necessary processes and clearances to move forward,' Ms. Banerjee said.
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Business Standard
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Uproar in Odisha as West Bengal govt calls Digha temple 'Jagannath Dham'
A newly inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, has sparked a major controversy between the neighbouring eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal. At the heart of this dispute is West Bengal's decision to call the temple 'Jagannath Dham', a title traditionally and scripturally exclusive to the historic 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha — one of Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimage sites. Built over 22 acres at a cost of approximately Rs 250 crore, the temple in Digha is being promoted as both a spiritual centre and tourist attraction. However, slogans such as 'No need to go to Puri to see Jagannath Dham and the sea,' have intensified resentment, NDTV reported. More than just a name The term 'Dham' has long held religious importance in Hindu theology. Adi Shankaracharya, a prominent 8th-century Hindu scholar, named four key pilgrimage sites as India's official 'Char Dham': Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram, and Puri. Religious experts, priests, and servitors from Odisha have strongly protested West Bengal's usage of the term, claiming that it misrepresents and undermines centuries-old traditions. Sudarsan Pattnaik, a prominent international sand artist and Padma Shri awardee from Odisha, has publicly expressed his concerns about the situation. In a letter addressed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Pattnaik said, 'This statement has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide. According to our sacred scriptures, there exists only one Jagannath Dham, which is located in Puri. Associating any other temple with the title may lead to confusion and contradict long-standing spiritual and Hindu cultural traditions.' Pattnaik has also urged the Odisha government to engage diplomatically with its West Bengal counterpart to resolve the issue amicably. Copies of the letter were also sent to Odisha's Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan. Controversial symbolism Adding to the ongoing dispute, promotional materials released by the West Bengal government included imagery that strongly resembled the 'Neelachakra' and 'Bana' – sacred symbols associated exclusively with the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Critics have accused the Bengal government of cultural appropriation, claiming that the symbols purposely blurs the distinction between the two temples. Political tensions heat up Meanwhile, West Bengal's Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari, has issued an open letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi demanding immediate clarification. Adhikari highlighted tender documents from the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), which describe the structure as 'Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra' (cultural centre) and questioned the conflicting public messaging. 'If this is a cultural centre, why is the public being invited to a temple inauguration? The invitation card must clearly state what is being inaugurated, a temple or a centre,' Adhikari wrote. Adhikari also previously questioned the legal validity of using state funds for building religious structures, citing the constitutional separation of religion and state. He compared it to the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, funded entirely by public donations.
NDTV
02-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'Jagannath Dham' Row Pits West Bengal Against Odisha Over Temple Legacy
New Delhi: The inauguration of a new Jagannath temple in Digha has become the centre of a controversy between eastern neighbours Odisha and West Bengal. At the core of the dispute is the West Bengal government's reference to the temple as "Jagannath Dham," a term historically and scripturally reserved for the 12th-century Puri temple, considered one of the four primary pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. The naming has been met with strong objections from religious scholars, priests and servitors in Odisha, who argue that the use of the title "Dham" implies a status and sanctity that can neither be replicated nor claimed without distorting centuries of tradition. Built over an area of 22 acres and at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore, the Digha temple is being projected as both a religious and tourist destination. Slogans such as "No need to go to Puri to see Jagannath Dham and the sea" have also surfaced, triggering sharp responses. Historic Title Sparks Modern Dispute The term "Dham" is not a mere honorific in Hindu theology. Traditionally, it refers to sacred sites associated with Hinduism. Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and theologian designated Puri as one of the four "Dhams" of India, with the others being Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram. These are not interchangeable labels. Sudarsan Pattnaik, the internationally acclaimed sand artist and a Padma Shri awardee from Odisha, in a letter addressed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed concern that calling the Digha temple a "Jagannath Dham" would mislead devotees and disrespect the unique identity of the Puri shrine. "This statement has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide," Mr Pattnaik wrote. "According to our sacred scriptures, there exists only one Jagannath Dham, which is located in Puri. Associating any other temple with the title may lead to confusion and contradict long-standing spiritual and Hindu cultural traditions." The artist has urged the Odisha government to engage with its West Bengal counterpart to clarify the matter and, if necessary, seek rectification. Copies of the letter have also been sent to Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan. The official promotional materials issued by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government have further fanned the flames. One such advertisement included an image closely resembling the 'Neelachakra' with 'Bana', an emblem that has long been associated exclusively with the Puri temple. Critics argue that this move points to appropriation by the Bengal government that blurs the distinctions between the two sites. Political Undercurrents Leader of Opposition in West Bengal and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has issued an open letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi, demanding clarity on whether the new structure is a temple or a cultural centre. Mr Adhikari cited tender documents from the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), which describe the site as "Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra," not a temple. "If this is a cultural centre, why is the public being invited to a temple inauguration?" he asked. "The invitation card must clearly state what is being inaugurated, a temple or a centre." In a previous statement in late 2023, Mr Adhikari also questioned the legality of using public funds for religious infrastructure, citing the constitutional separation of religion and state. He pointed to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, constructed entirely through public donations under an independent trust. Political commentators have also pointed out that the decision to inaugurate such a prominent temple in a location like Digha, just a few hours from Kolkata, is not only religiously motivated but carries political implications. With assembly elections in West Bengal approaching, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is keen to broaden its appeal among Hindu voters, given constant allegations by the BJP that Ms Banerjee's party engages in appeasement politics.
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
India Today
27-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Temple or cultural centre? BJP questions Bengal's Jagannath Dham project
The West Bengal BJP on Sunday posed a series of questions to the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government over the construction of a Puri-like Jagannath temple, reigniting a political controversy ahead of its of the Opposition in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, wrote an open letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi, seeking clarification on whether a Jagannath temple or a cultural centre was being built at pointed out that the invitation card for the opening ceremony lacked clarity and stated that he would attend the event only if his concerns were raised concerns about whether a 'Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra' was being constructed at Digha, as indicated in the invitation. Referring to his invitation to the 'Prana Pratishtha' ceremony, he questioned whether the event was for a cultural centre or a temple. He demanded that the invitation card be reissued with "clear and accurate information".advertisement"The tender documents of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation reveal that 'Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra' has been built at Digha? You are inviting me to attend the 'Prana Pratistha' Ceremony. Will you clarify whether 'Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra' (cultural centre) is being inaugurated or Jagannath Temple is being inaugurated? 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," he the BJP leader questioned whether the maintenance, management and upkeep of the 'Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra' or Jagannath Temple will be handled by West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO). Adhikari is the Vice Chairperson of the board. He also sought clarification on the identity of the chairperson of WBHIDCO, as the website lists 'Janab Firhad Hakim', Urban Development Minister, in the role. If that is indeed the case, he questioned why Hakim's name was not printed on the further enquired about Hakim's involvement with the structure under construction, pointing to media rumours suggesting that he had been removed from his position as chairperson without ceremony. If this were true, he asked, 'Why is Firhad Hakim's name still listed as the HIDCO Chairman?'A series of questions were raised regarding the donations, specifically whether they would be considered "temple property" or treated as part of the corporation's revenue. Adhikari also enquired about the staff appointments, asking about the qualifications required to become a staff member and whether non-Hindus would be considered for an attempt to ignite a religious debate, he posed his final question, stating that if Digha's Jagannath Dham was modelled after the Puri Jagannath Dham, then, according to the latter's rules, the entry of non-Hindus would be his statement, he asked, 'Since the WB Government or HIDCO (a Public Sector Undertaking) controls the site, can it discriminate when appointing individuals based on religion?'In December last year, Adhikari had questioned the construction, saying the Jagannath Temple in Puri was one of the Char Dhams and "replicating" it was unacceptable. He argued that public funds should not be used for constructing religious sites. IN THIS STORY#West Bengal
