Bhubaneswar, Feb. 7 -- The Cuttack Bali Jatra has not received national status as the Centre is yet to take a final decision on the matter, said BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray today.

The Union Ministry of Culture has clarified that the matter does not fall under its jurisdiction and would require the consideration of the Prime Minister. The Union Culture Minister acknowledged the significance of Bali Jatra and opined that it deserves national status, the MP said.

Expressing hope, Samantaray said, "We expect the Prime Minister to take a decision on granting national status to Bali Jatra. Until then, our efforts will continue."

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, had said that Bali...