Govt plan to set up ‘digital hundi' for Puri temple devotees
Bhubaneswar: To provide devotees with a convenient way to make offerings to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Odisha govt is set to modernize the donation process with the introduction of a 'digital hundi' system, a new online donation platform.
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"We intend to simplify the online donation system of the shrine and introduce digital hundi, which may be named Samarpan. This platform will ensure transparency and make it easier for devotees to contribute from anywhere in the world," a senior govt official told TOI.
The electronics and information technology department, along with the law department, has been tasked with finalising the technical and legal framework for the system.
"The digital platform will incorporate all necessary security features while maintaining the sanctity of the donation process. We expect this initiative to significantly increase the temple's donations and provide better accountability," the official added.
The Jagannath Temple received a total of Rs 113.02 crore as donation in the last three financial years. In a written reply in the assembly on Dec 7, 2024, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said between 2021-22 and 2023-24, the temple received Rs 40.61 crore in donation boxes, Rs 59.79 crore through bank deposits and another Rs 12.60 crore through other sources.
The highest donation of Rs 50.80 crore was received in 2022-23, Rs 44.90 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 17.31 crore in 2021-22.
In 2023, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) partnered with a UPI service provider for online donation. The app included the temple among other religious sites for donations through its payment gateway.
"Initial plans to install QR code scanners at various locations like hotels, railway stations and offices were dropped due to cybersecurity concerns and potential scanner tampering risks," a temple official said.
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The temple administration recently warned devotees about fraudsters offering online puja, donation and darshan services for US$ 60-80. The temple authorities also filed a police complaint at Singhadwar station regarding one of the websites.
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