CUTTACK: Justice B P Das Commission, formed to suggest reforms in Jagannath Temple at Puri, has recommended state government to act tough on temple servitors (sevayats), who misbehave with devotees inside the shrine.Sources said the commission in its first interim report, which was submitted to law minister Arun Sahoo on Thursday, has suggested the state government to bring in amendments to the Shri Jagannath Temple Act and include provisions for punishing the servitors, who behave in unruly manner with devotees, especially women. "It is important to mention that servitors of Jagannath Temple often hog limelight for their bad behavior with devotees. The commission has recommended for punishment against servitors so that it will be a lesson for others also," said a source.Besides, the commission has also recommended strengthening security inside the temple by deploying additional security forces. The commission has also suggested for widening roads around the temple to ensure easy movement of ambulances and fire tenders during exigencies and remove all encroachments. As Rath Yatra is few months away, the commission has suggested some special measures to maintain discipline during the festival and to ensure timely conduct of rituals during the annual chariot festival. The commission has recommended proper crowd management during the festival."Maintaining discipline in the temple is my top priority and I have focused on it in my interim report," said Justice Das. Secretary of the commission B P Parija submitted the 60-page confidential interim report to the law minister. Sources said the commission has also urged state government to focus on sanitation and cleanliness.

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