Puri: A mobile operator, recognised by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), started distributing feature phones to Srimandir servitors here Tuesday.
Sources said only three servitors collected the phones by submitting identity proofs and money at SJTA office.
Meanwhile, 15 servitors registered their names for feature phones with another mobile operator, recognised by the temple administration.
The SJTA has allowed servitors to carry feature phones into the 12th century shrine. However, it has banned smart phones and camera phones on shrine premises amid reports that several photos of Srimandir interiors had gone viral on social media.
It is learnt that some devotees and servitors used to carry smart phones into Srimandir clandestinely despite restriction on the use of electronic gadgets on temple premises.
Sources said the temple administration had recognised two mobile operators to distribute feature phones among servitors. It has asked the servitors to collect feature phones from the recognised dealers by December 30.
According to sources, many servitors have been opposing the feature phone plan since the beginning. “Many of us have camera-less phones. So, why should we purchase new feature phones?” said a servitor.
PNN
