Jagannath Temple employees to be penalised for tobacco use

To ensure cleanliness in the 12th century shrine at Puri, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to punish its employees found smoking or chewing tobacco inside the complex. "The employees found violating the rule will have to forgo a day's salary", a notification issued by SJTA yesterday said. The new chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said the temple must be clean. During inspection he found people spitting at different places in the temple premises.

"Padhee was informed that the employees of SJTA created all nuisance in the temple. The devotees hardly spit in temple premises", an official said. Though there was a standing instruction to punish persons spitting inside the temple, it could hardly be implemented as employees were involved. Earlier, the provision of Rs 100 penalty could not stop the practise, they said.