The Odisha government has made a significant appointment in the administration of the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, appointing senior IAS officer Vir Vikram Yadav as the new Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). An official notification issued by the Law Department confirmed the appointment, citing the powers vested in the government under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954. Vir Vikram Yadav will assume the role of Chief Administrator, SJTA, Puri, in addition to his existing responsibilities. Vir Vikram Yadav, a seasoned bureaucrat belonging to the 1996 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), brings with him a wealth of experience. Notably, Yadav had previously served as the Chief Administrator of SJTA, showcasing his familiarity with the intricate workings of the temple administration.

This appointment comes as part of a bureaucratic reshuffle initiated by the government, underscoring its commitment to ensuring efficient governance and management of religious institutions. Yadav’s reinstatement to the Chief Administrator position reaffirms the government’s confidence in his capabilities to lead the administration effectively. Prior to Yadav’s appointment, Samanth Verma held the additional chief administrator position and served as the in-charge Chief Administrator of SJTA. However, in a recent development, Verma has been transferred to the Additional Secretary role within the Works Department, signifying a change in administrative responsibilities.