Cuttack Municipal Corporation gives major relief to Durga Puja organisers; Mayor Subash Chandra Singh and Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota assure that complaints will be addressed and civic arrangements strengthened
GTNS, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 , CUTTACK: In a major relief for Durga Puja organizers, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has decided that no license fee will be collected from Puja committees for this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.
The decision has been announced by CMC Mayor Shri Subash Chandra Singh and the civic administration under Municipal Commissioner Ms. Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, IAS, as preparations gather pace for the grand festival across the historic city.
The move is expected to reduce the financial burden on Puja committees, many of which are already spending heavily on mandap construction, decoration, lighting, sanitation, security and other arrangements.
No Licence Fee for Durga Puja
The key decision this year is that Puja committees will not be required to pay the municipal licence fee for their Durga Puja arrangements.
For organisers, the waiver comes as an important financial relief at a time when festival-related expenses continue to rise.
Cuttack’s Durga Puja is known for its elaborate mandaps, artistic decorations and famous Chandi Medha tradition. Hundreds of committees and thousands of people are involved directly or indirectly in the celebrations.
Mayor Subash Chandra Singh Assures Organisers
Mayor Subash Chandra Singh has assured Puja committees that the civic administration will remain responsive to issues raised by organisers.
The Mayor’s position comes at a crucial stage of preparations, when committees are finalising their mandaps, decorations and other arrangements for the festival.
The decision to waive the licence fee is being viewed as a supportive step towards the city’s Puja committees and the wider festive community.
Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota to Address Complaints
CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, IAS, will oversee the civic administration’s role in ensuring necessary arrangements across the city.
According to the assurance given to Puja organisers, complaints received by the administration will be examined and steps will be taken to resolve genuine problems.
This includes coordination on civic issues that may affect the smooth conduct of the festival.
Focus on Civic Services
With thousands of devotees and visitors expected to move through Cuttack during Durga Puja, the civic administration will face a major responsibility in maintaining essential services.
The arrangements will be particularly important around crowded areas where large numbers of visitors are expected.
Cuttack’s Chandi Medha Tradition
Durga Puja in Cuttack carries a unique cultural identity. The city’s famous Chandi Medhas, intricate decorations and traditional rituals attract devotees and visitors from across Odisha and beyond.
The festival is also important for the local economy. Artisans, decorators, electricians, flower sellers, sweet shops, transport operators, small traders and temporary workers all benefit from the increased activity during the festive period.
Fee Waiver Brings Relief, But Bigger Test Remains
While the decision to collect no licence fee provides financial relief to Puja committees, the larger challenge for the CMC will be ensuring that the city remains clean, safe and accessible throughout the celebrations.
The coordination between Mayor Subash Chandra Singh, Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, CMC officials, Puja committees, police and other government agencies will be crucial.
The civic administration will have to balance the traditional grandeur of Cuttack’s Durga Puja with the practical needs of residents and visitors.
A Supportive Civic Approach
The decision sends a clear message that the CMC intends to support the city’s Puja committees while also ensuring that complaints and civic problems are addressed.
For the organisers, the absence of a licence fee means additional financial space for festival preparations. For the administration, however, the decision also brings greater expectations to deliver effective civic services during the festival.
Cuttack’s Durga Puja 2026 is set to receive a major civic push, with Mayor Subash Chandra Singh and CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota backing a no-licence-fee approach for Puja committees. The immediate benefit is financial relief for organisers; the bigger test will be whether CMC can translate the assurance into smooth sanitation, traffic management, public safety and civic services during one of Odisha’s biggest festivals.