Jagannath Puri Temple:  Row Over Rs 500 Parking Fee at Bhakta Nivas in Puri, Congress and BJD outraged

Jagannath Puri Temple:  The Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has imposed a parking fee of Rs 500. This parking fee applies to four-wheelers at its guest house facilities for devotees. The temple administration is facing strong opposition for this decision. Many leaders, along with the general public, have strongly protested against it.  The information was conveyed through a notification issued by the temple administration.

Also Read;  EPFO: Private sector employee’s EPF salary limit is set to increase! Here's the new update

The SJTA stated that guests staying at its four guest houses will have to pay Rs 500 for parking a four-wheeler for 24 hours. This includes 18 percent GST.

Better facilities will be provided

SJTA Chief Administrator Arvind Padhi said that this decision was taken to provide better parking facilities and management. Following the protests against this decision, Puri District Collector Divya Jyoti Parida said that the temple administration will reconsider the decision. Collector Divya is also the Deputy Chief Administrator of SJTA. She said that they will reconsider the parking fee. Information will be provided after discussions with the officials.

What did Sambit Patra say?

BJP MP Sambit Patra said that he was unaware of this. He said that his government will take a decision that is good for everyone, especially the poor. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das opposed the move. He termed the fee unfair and an unnecessary burden on the devotees. He urged the authorities to withdraw the decision and provide facilities keeping the pilgrims in mind. BJD Vice President says they are taking financial advantage

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, BJD Vice President Sanjay Das Burma also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the exorbitant parking fees. He alleged that staying at the pilgrim accommodation (Bhakta Niwas) has already become expensive. He said the administration is trying to take financial advantage of the religious sentiments of the devotees.

Also Read: Delhi Traffic Challans Can Be Cleared in One Day-Here’s How

Chaturbhuj Samal, a frequent visitor to Puri, claimed that while parking a car at the airport costs around Rs 150, the administration here is demanding Rs 500. This could be the highest parking fee in the country.

Summary

This decision to increase parking fees is facing strong opposition. Both the Congress and BJD have termed this decision an injustice to the devotees