JAMMU: On the directions of the Governor N. N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Shri P.K. Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer, held a meeting today with apex bodies of Langar Organizations namely, Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organization (SABLO) and Shri Amarnath Yatra Bhandara Organization (SAYBO), to discuss various issues regarding setting up of Langars during Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2016.
CEO informed the Langar Organizations (LOs) that Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2016 is scheduled to commence on 2nd July, 2016 and shall conclude on 18th August, 2016 on the auspicious day of RakshaBandhan.
CEO thanked the LOs for their long standing relationship with Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and appreciated the contribution of LOs in providing free food facility to Yatris in the mountainous difficult terrain and climate in the Yatra area during the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
CEO informed that for Yatra 2016, 116 Langar Organizations shall be permitted to set up Langars inside the Yatra area. CEO, further informed that in addition to this, arrangements for providing free food to the Yatris enroute are ensured through the Deputy Commissioners who shall grant permissions for Langars being set up in their respective jurisdictions, starting from Lakhanpur onwards. It was also informed that for Yatra 2016 no new Langar Organization will be considered for setting up Langar inside the Yatra area.
While recognizing the efforts of LOs in providing safe and quality free food to the Yatris, CEO urged the LOs to ensure cleanliness in the Yatra area and maintain proper hygiene in the interest of the Yatris. CEO further urged the LOs to ensure against the use of polythene in the Yatra area and assist the Shrine Board in its endeavour to preserve the ecology and environment of the Yatra area.
During the meeting various issues raised by representatives of both the Langar Organizations regarding the terms and conditions for setting up and functioning of the Langars were discussed. Considering various suggestions and feedback of the LOs, CEO observed and hoped that Yatra 2016 would be organized with the active cooperation of various Langar Organizations.
In view of the security scenario in the state and to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, CEO apprised the LOs about the necessity of submitting the Police Verification Reports and the Compulsory Health Certificates in respect of the Langar sewadars to be deployed by the LOs in their Langars during Yatra 2016. It was also informed that all the Sewadars will be provided with an Accident Insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh each.
Among others the meeting was attended by Shri Jitendra Kumar Singh, IAS, Additional CEO, SASB, Shri Pankaj Kumar Anand, KAS, Deputy CEO, SASB, Shri Vijay Thakur, President SABLO, and Shri Rajan Kapoor, President SAYBO and other members of the Langar Organizations.