Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Nov 19: After coming under the control of Shrine Board for management and development affairs, the historic Sukrala Mata shrine near Billawar in Kathua district is witnessing some significant changes with respect to security, transparency and facilities to the visiting pilgrims.
Security of the shrine has been increased with deployment of more cops and installation of surveillance cameras around the shrine while a special Police Post is all set to be created for which Master Plan for development of the shrine is being improved, official sources informed the Excelsior.
As temporary measure, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Billawar has been given the responsibility of Member Secretary of the Board and an officer of the rank of Naib Tehsildar is appointed as Manager of Sukrala Mata shrine till permanent arrangements and employment of the officers on these positions are made, sources added.
Further, on the pattern of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, Yatra Slips are being introduced at Sukrala Mata to keep a record of the visiting pilgrims and work out facilities for them. These Yatra slips are being designed and likely to be started for the pilgrims at entry point near stairs, sources informed.
As reported earlier, the Shrine Board for Mata Sukrala and Bala Sundri had formally taken over management, administration and governance of these two historic shrines on November 11 after a grand Havan and Pooja, which were followed by maiden meeting of the Board members, headed by Divisional Commissioner Jammu.
According to the sources, around Rs 28 lakh as donation money have been taken out from the eleven boxes, which were put under seal and had been kept in strong room of the shrine. After counting, the donation money has been deposited in Jammu Kashmir Bank on the account of Shrine Board, sources added.
Pertinent to mention that immediately after passage of the Act for constitution of the Board during the last Budget session of State Assembly, the district administration had taken over control on offerings in the shrine and put the donation boxes under seal.
To avoid any controversy, sources disclosed, the Board is also conducting video-graphy of the offerings and moveable assets of this historic shrine.
All the Baridars, priests and other workers in the shrine are now employees of the Shrine Board, which will take a positive and sympathetic view on continuation of their services, sources disclosed.
According to Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Jatinder Singh, all measures are being taken for smooth and transparent affairs in management of the shrine besides chalking out future plans for development of the pilgrimage site and facilities to visiting pilgrims.
For framing by-laws of the Board, we are studying the constitution of shrine boards for Mata Vaishno Devi, Tirupati Bala Ji, Shiv Khori and other prominent religious places, he added.
Mr Singh also informed that second meeting of the Shrine Board was being convened very soon for discussing more measures for facilities to the visiting pilgrims and formal takeover of the management of Mata Bala Sundri shrine also.
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