Under efficient supervision of its Chairman, assisted by a team of dedicated members, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is adding feather after feather in its hat. From social domain, the Board is gradually inching towards public domain thus making entire people of the State, the neighbouring areas and those who conduct pilgrimage to the holy shrine day and night, its beneficiaries. The Board is trying that blessings of the holy Mother reach everybody in one way or the other. The ultimate purpose of shrine boards is to promote welfare and comfort to general public. It gives us great satisfaction that this noble principle is silently but determinedly pursued by the Shrine Board authorities. Conceptualization of new projects that are productive from the point of view of pilgrims is the first stage of development. Conceptualization process of SMVDSB is exemplary. This is reflected in various projects, big and small, that have been floated, or are in the pipeline. The commendable thing is that the contemplated projects are brought to completion within the time frame. This gives confidence to the authorities that the next project, too, will be a complete success.
Improvement of all aspects connected with pilgrimage, like infrastructure, administration, safety and comfort, medical assistance, transport facility and other physical easements are all in place and we would not comment on these. But what is noteworthy is how the Board is reaching the society in general. The first proof of that policy is the setting up of the Mata Vaishno Devi University in close vicinity of the town of Katra. Of course, it had a small beginning but with the passage of time and with the vision for the future, expansion of this university became a regular feature and today we can say with confidence that this institution is poised for great achievements in times to come. After establishing rail connectivity, the institution is going to expand and grow fully and become one of the prestigious universities in Northern India where more and more branches of learning will be added in due course of time.
Another conspicuous achievement that is now on the anvil is the project of establishing a multi-super specialty hospital in Katra with state-of-the art facilities. This prestigious 230 beds multi specialty hospital- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) is being made operational next year. The foundation and superstructure work has been completed and now the infrastructure required for such a high level hospital is being installed. It is expected that the hospital will have highly qualified and experience faculties to run the show. It has to be noted that earlier the plan was to build only a cancer hospital but later on further deliberations led the Board to change to super specialty hospital. However, on further consideration it was finally decided to have a multi-super specialty hospital. As for now the Shrine Board has not announced any plan of establishing a Medical College.
The multi-super specialty hospital will cater to the needs of the people of the area as well as those of the entire State. More importantly, it will also serve the needs of about 30,000 pilgrims who visit the holy shrine each day round the year. It is a big thing for a Shrine Board to run a 230-bed hospital on funds donated by the pilgrims and private persons or organizations. The Chairman has appointed a sub-committee to frame the modalities of running the hospital, selecting faculties, and recommending measures that would streamline the functioning of the hospital. Just possible a day might come when the Board will think of establishing a Medical College for which sanction of the Indian Medical Council is a pre-requisite.
Bringing to mind the history of the SMVDSB and its steady march along the path of development and progress, one is tempted to say that this could become the model for other shrine boards in the country. Not confining its activities to shrine matters only, the Board has stepped into social arena in a big way and that is what a healthy and visionary organisation does in the interests of the people. Given the dedication and purposefulness of the members of the Board, we are hopeful that social activities of the Board will go on expanding year after year. It is destined to play a vital role in the emancipation of the entire people of the State.
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