Bhubaneswar, Oct 8: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a waiver of ground rent for puja committees organising religious and cultural events across the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area during the ongoing festive season.

The waiver will cover Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Ravan Podi, immersion ceremonies (Visarjan) and cultural programmes associated with these celebrations.

The decision has been taken in view of the social and cultural significance of these festivals and the enthusiasm among the public during the festive season. The ground rent waiver will remain in effect from October 17 to November 18 this year.

Chief Minister Majhi has also urged puja committees to ensure that the celebrations are conducted peacefully, in an orderly manner and in an environmentally friendly way.

The government’s decision is expected to provide relief to puja committees and facilitate the smooth organisation of various festive events across the city.