Arabinda Kumar Padhee Appointed as New Chief Administrator of SJTA

The Odisha government has appointed Arabinda Kumar Padhee as the new chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), replacing V V Yadav. Padhee, who is also the principal secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts Departments, brings prior experience as the former chief administrator of SJTA.

The Odisha government has named Arabinda Kumar Padhee as the new chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, succeeding senior IAS officer V V Yadav.

A notification from the law department late Thursday night cited sub-section 19 of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954 to facilitate the appointment. The notification stated, 'In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section 19 of Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954, the State Government appoints Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, as chief administrator, SJTA, Puri in addition to his current duties until further orders, replacing V V Yadav, IAS.'

Yadav's replacement follows criticism over his absence during an incident in which the idol of Lord Balabhadra fell during the Rath Yatra festival, injuring 12 servitors. Padhee, who is the principal secretary of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment and Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts Departments, previously served as the chief administrator of SJTA, highlighting his experience in managing the Jagannath temple's affairs.

(With inputs from agencies.)