Arabinda Kumar Padhee Appointed as Chief Administrator of SJTA

12/07/2023- The State government announced on Thursday the appointment of Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee as the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). According to a notification issued by the Law Department, Padhee will continue to serve as Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment until further notice.

Padhee succeeds Vir Vikram Yadav in this role. Notably, Padhee previously held the position of Chief Administrator of SJTA from 2012 to 2014. During his tenure, he successfully supervised three Ghosha Jatras with discipline and implemented significant reforms, including prohibiting devotees from climbing atop the chariots and touching the deities.