LG to take call on names recommended by Div Com, DCs
*Step to help in resolution of several long pending issues
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Feb 17: The Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will shortly reconstitute Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board and Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata Bala Sundari Shrine Board and this step will go a long way in resolution of several long pending issues relating to administration and management of these major religious places of Jammu region.
These Shrine Boards turned ‘defunct’ several years back following completion of tenure of non-official members but no serious attention was paid to make fresh nominations despite the fact that Sub-Section 3 of Section 13 of the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Act, 2008 and Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata Bala Sundari Shrine Act, 2013 clearly states that no business of these Boards shall be transacted at any meeting unless at least seven members are present, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
The official members of these Boards are Divisional Commissioner (Chairperson), Deputy Commissioner Reasi (Vice-Chairperson in respect of Shiv Khori Shrine) and Deputy Commissioner Kathua (Vice-Chairperson in respect of Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata Bala Sundari Shrines), Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board or his nominee (Member) and Director Tourism Jammu (Member).
In the month of April 2020, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs carried out amendments in these two Acts through Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Adaptation of State Laws) Order in order to pave the way for nomination of non-J&K residents as non-official members of these two Shrine Boards. However, despite this no serious efforts were made by the Tourism Department to reconstitute the Boards as a result of which no decision could be taken on several issues hampering developmental activities in and around these shrines, sources said.
“After inordinate delay, the Tourism Department has now examined the names of the non-official members recommended by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioners of Kathua and Reasi and the same will be placed before the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shortly for approval”, sources informed, adding “while recommending names the amendments carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs have also been kept in mind”.
It is pertinent to mention here that there is provision for nomination of two persons, who in the opinion of the Government have distinguished themselves in the service of Hindu religion or culture; one woman, who in the opinion of the Government has distinguished herself in the service of Hindu religion or culture or social work especially in regard to advancement of women and two persons who have distinguished themselves in the administration, legal affairs, financial matters and journalism etc.
“The reconstitution of these Shrine Boards will go a long way in resolution of several long pending and important issues. Moreover, there is a dire need to create additional facilities for the pilgrims particularly in respect of Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata Bala Sundari Shrines”, sources said, adding “as far as shrines in the Kathua district are concerned, the pilgrims generally complaint of lack of facilities particularly with regard to lodging and it is hoped that after reconstitution the Boards will pay required attention towards these aspects”.
They further said, “even the issue of utilization of offerings and donations by the pilgrims at Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata Bala Sundari Shrines has not been resolved since long”.
These Boards have the duties to arrange for the proper performance of worship at the shrines; to make arrangements for the safe custody of the funds, valuables, properties and jewelleries and for the preservation of the Shrine Fund; to undertake the developmental activities in the shrine area; to make arrangements for imparting of religious instructions and general education and to ensure efficient management, maintenance and administration of the shrines.
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