*Reinforcing anti-corruption measures
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 13: J&K Dharmarth Trust has an unblemished record of promoting State’s heritage and ensuring public welfare without any prejudice on the basis of religion, region or ethnicity.
This was stated by its spokesperson in a statement issued here. He said the Dharmarth Trust is working relentlessly for promoting the traditions, legacy and cultural ethos of the region besides providing succor to the needy and underprivileged to enable them to live a life with pride and dignity.
The spokesperson said that taking serious note of the malpractices being adopted by some Pujaris of the ancient Raghunath ji Temple, the Trust management is reinforcing anti-corruption measures.
He said in such a measure, the Trust on June 1 this year abolished the Thali system and permitted only ‘Dan Patras’ (donation boxes) for collection of ‘Chadawa’ following the numerous public complaints regarding misappropriation of Chadawa/donation by Pujaris at the Raghunath ji Temple. After this strong action, corrupt Pujaris remained agitated and disgruntled with the reform and disciplinary measures, he said.
“Following numerous complaints from the public and various fronts over the last one year, the Trust management has taken several strong disciplinary measures against corrupt employees and Pujaris. Several employees and Pujaris were found to be indulging in misappropriation of donations, properties and resources of the Trust,” he said.
He said the same corrupt employees and Pujaris after being punished by the Trust are now making unreasonable demands and allegations against the Trust for their ulterior motives.
The spokesperson said the Trust respects the contribution of all its honest and dedicated employees and Pujaris and also committed to address their reasonable demands and grievances over due time but it has zero tolerance for corrupt Pujaris and employees who are trying to extort and blackmail the management for their personal motives.
“People having vested interest who are supporting such corrupt elements, should be bewared before associating with such people,” he added.