BHUBNEWAR: In a significant move, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a waiver of ground rent for all Durga Puja pandals across Odisha. The CM stated that this decision by the government will encourage puja committees, pandal organizers, and devotees, enhancing the festive spirit.
Extending his greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Dussehra, CM Majhi said, “On this auspicious occasion, the People’s Government has decided to waive the ground rent for all Durga Puja pandals across the state. I hope this decision motivates puja committee members and enhances their celebrations.”
CM Prays for Peace and Prosperity of People on Ashtami
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who went pandal hopping on Ashtami in Bhubaneswar on October 11, prayed for the prosperity of the state and its people.
The CM visited Durga Puja pandals at Baramunda, Nayapalli, Rasulgarh, Shaheed Nagar, Bomikhal, Laxmi Sagar, Station Square, and Badagada in the Odisha capital.
Speaking to the press after offering prayers, CM Majhi said, “Today is the Ashtami of Maa Durga. On this auspicious occasion, I had the great fortune to receive the blessings of Maa Durga. A new government has been formed, and with the blessings of Maa, I have been given the responsibility of Chief Minister.”
The CM expressed that he prayed to Maa Durga for peace, prosperity, and happiness for the people of Odisha. “I prayed for blessings and guidance to transform our state into a new and prosperous Odisha,” Majhi added.
Puja Committees Express Gratitude to CM
Puja committees throughout the state have expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. “Previously, we requested the Cuttack Municipal Corporation to exempt Durga Puja mandaps from taxes, but our request was denied, and we had to pay approximately Rs 24,000 as ground rent for setting up decorative gates and organizing events. However, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has now announced that all puja mandaps across the state will be exempt from rent,” said a local puja committee official from Cuttack.
“We are thankful to the Chief Minister for this announcement. Several other committees, like ours, have also paid rent. We urge the administration to make the necessary arrangements for refunding this amount, as it would provide a significant boost to the puja committees,” he added.
