Puri: Works department secretary Krishan Kumar, Thursday, took charge as the chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) here.
The state government had appointed Kumar as the chief administrator of the SJTA by replacing School and Mass Education department secretary PK Mohapatra.
According to sources, Kumar took charge as the SJTA chief administrator at the office of the temple body after paying obeisance to the presiding deities of Srimandir around noon.
“I got the responsibility of SJTA chief administrator due to the blessings of Lord Jagannath. I will carry out my duties in cooperation with all stakeholders of the shrine. Timely performance of rituals and discipline at Srimandir would be my priority,” Kumar said after assuming office of SJTA chief administrator.
Kumar put emphasis on the preservation and propagation of Jagannath culture. “I will try to preserve the mutt culture of Puri. Besides, the temple administration would introduce various welfare measures for the servitors. Issues related to the housing, schooling and health facilities for the servitors would be solved on priority basis,” Kumar said.
The newly-appointed SJTA chief administrator sought the cooperation of the state government, Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, servitors and the residents of Puri for solving the various issues of the 12th century shrine.
Answering to a query on a case pertaining to Srimandir reforms in the Supreme Court, Kumar said he would look into the issue and take necessary action in consultation with the Srimandir managing committee.