Recommendations for posts of non-official members gathering dust
3 major shrines of Jammu clamour for development
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, June 5: Despite the fact that three major shrines of Jammu region are clamouring for development and resolution of other important issues, there is no end to the dilly-dallying approach on the part of the Government of J&K Union Territory in reconstitution of the Shrine Boards.
The Boards, which were constituted following enactment of Acts by the Legislature of erstwhile State in the year 2008 and 2013 respectively to look after the administration, management and governance of Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi district and Mata Sukrala Devi and Mata Bala Sundari Shrines in Kathua district, became defunct in the year 2019 following completion of term of non-official members.
Since then, these Boards could not transact any business as relevant provisions of the Acts make it clear that at least seven members should be present in any meeting of these Boards for taking decisions.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu is the Chairperson of both these Boards while as concerned Deputy Commissioners are the Vice-Chairperson. 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.
Following completion of tenure of earlier non-official members the Government was supposed to make fresh nominations so as to ensure reconstitution of the Boards but till early this year no serious attention was paid towards this vital aspect.
“In the month of February this year, Chairperson (Divisional Commissioner) in consultation with others suggested some names to the Government for the posts of non-official members but no decision has been taken in this regard till date as a result of which the Boards continue to remain defunct”, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
“We were expecting the Government to take final decision in the shortest possible time so as to pave the way for these Boards to start taking decisions about the developmental proposals pertaining to these shrines and resolution of other important issues but no seriousness has been shown till date”, they further said.
According to the sources, due to inordinate delay in the reconstitution of these Shrine Boards no decision could be taken in respect of numerous aspects which other need urgent attention. “Only Shrine Board can take decision about the developmental activities required to be carried out to facilitate the pilgrims visiting Mata Sukrala Devi and Mata Bala Sundari Shrines as at present not much facilities are available there”, they further said.
“No step has so far been initiated to provide boarding and lodging facilities to the pilgrims and improve the environment near Mata Sukrala Devi and Mata Bala Sundari Shrines despite the fact that pilgrimage was increasing every year till March last year when COVID-19 situation led to lockdown”, they said, adding “efforts are also required to be made by the Board to bring an end to the litigations on different issues including the rights of the Baridars pending in the courts during the past several years”.
They further said that because of litigations even the funds in the shape of offerings received in these shrines from the pilgrims are not being put to use for the developmental activities.
As far as Shiv Khori Shrine is concerned, sources said, “no doubt several developmental works have been started on the intervention of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Shrine Board but several other issues particularly those related to the employees are still pending in the absence of functional Board”.
“If the Government is not interested in reconstitution of these Shrine Boards, it should pass the orders and vest the development of these highly revered religious places to the concerned district administration”, they added.
It is pertinent to mention here that 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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