Shrine Board clears initiatives to posit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as chief spiritual destination

NEET coaching centres approved to support local youth
JAMMU: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Sunday approved a series of initiatives aimed
at transforming the revered pilgrimage site and the surrounding region into one of India’s most
prominent spiritual destinations.
The decisions were taken in a meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also
the Chairman of the Shrine Board.
The Shrine Board has approved three key initiatives: an international museum dedicated to Maa
Shakti’s spiritual heritage, a sound-and-light spectacle modeled on global pilgrimage sites, and a
documentary on the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
In another important initiative, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has decided to fill vacant
positions, with recruitment process set to begin shortly.
The SMVDSB has also greenlit the establishment of coaching centers offering free NEET preparation
to youth from surrounding areas.
The SMVDSB approved formulation and phased implementation of a rehabilitation plan for the
service providers on Mata Vaishno Devi track, like ponywallas etc, in line with the directives of the
National Green Tribunal.
In a significant move, a committee has been constituted to assess strategies for expanding
pilgrimage numbers, enhancing pilgrimage experience and present recommendations to the board.
Shrine Board has resolved to prioritize purchases from self-help groups, women and young local
entrepreneurs to supercharge regional economy.
The Board has decided that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board would source Mata’s offerings
locally, channeling funds directly into community growth.
Since Mata’s abode puts Katra city on the global map, the board has decided to contribute directly
for city’s transformation.
“It’s Board’s resolve to make Katra clean, vibrant, and equipped with modern infrastructure for
residents and the millions who arrive as pilgrims,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Board has decided to spearhead sports development across the Jammu region- cultivating
future champions, safeguarding youth health, and transforming Jammu & Kashmir UT into a national
sporting powerhouse alongside its spiritual eminence.
The Board also emphasised on specialised training for religious practitioners (Pujaris).
The Board reviewed and ratified actions taken since the previous meeting and took key decisions on
25 important agenda items aimed at strengthening the Board’s functioning and improving pilgrim
services.
Emphasizing pilgrim safety, the Board approved enhancement of insurance cover from ₹5 lakh to
₹10 lakh per pilgrim. Besides, endorsed the preliminary concept for constructing an International
Museum with the consultation of Asian Heritage Foundation dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi Ji at
Natali, Katra. The proposed Shakti Museum will be the first of its kind and would serve as a religious,
educational and cultural center. Additionally, the state-of-the-art light & sound shows will bring
tradition to life through a fusion of tradition and innovation. The Lieutenant Governor requested the
Board to provide concrete suggestions, enabling the project to be initiated in the coming months
and completed within a two-year timeframe.
Progress of major infrastructure projects was reviewed including construction of the Exit Track at
Bhawan, New Vaishnavi Bhawan, widening of the Yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, slope
stabilization works, construction of Shri Shankaracharya Ji Temple and allied amenities at Katra and
School for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu. The Board directed strict adherence to timelines
while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Regarding the newly developed helipad at Village Hutt, the Board approved that following execution
of a revised MoU, SMVDSB will provide a one-time financial grant to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board
under the Shrine Act for development and upgradation of pilgrim infrastructure. It was also
approved that heli services for both Shrines will operate from the same helipad for the convenience
of pilgrims.
The Board appreciated the community welfare initiatives of renovating 15 schools in Reasi and
Udhampur districts damaged during the heavy rains of August-September 2025 within just five
months.
The Board lauded the initiative of establishing a Sadhna Kaksh (Meditation Hall) at Bhawan; terming
it a significant step towards enriching the spiritual well-being of pilgrims. Approval was also accorded
for grant-in-aid to institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including Gurukul, Hospital,
Sports Complex, College of Nursing.
The Board expressed appreciation for the greening initiatives undertaken by SMVDSB and approved
a comprehensive Annual Green Plan for 2026–27. The Lieutenant Governor directed the CEO to
reaffirm the commitment to environmental sustainability with particular emphasis on promoting a
clean and green Katra Town and its surrounding areas.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor laid foundation stones for several pilgrim
centric facilities aimed at enhancing infrastructure and spiritual experience. These included
construction of three new temples in Reasi district, restoration of two ancient temples in Jammu
district at an estimated cost ₹1.21 Cr, redevelopment of the Bhairon Ji Temple Complex and
construction of staff accommodation at Bhawan and Bhairon Ji. The Lieutenant Governor also
inaugurated newly constructed cottages at Katra and launched an improvised Pouch Prasad
containing dry fruits, an engraved coin depicting the Holy Pindies and a sacred Mouli (Kalava) for
free distribution among pilgrims.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB presented a detailed overview of the Board’s activities
and progress achieved in implementation of decisions taken during previous meetings.
The meeting was attended by all Board Members including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami
Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K.
Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma.
Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and Sachin Kumar Vaishya,
Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB also attended the meeting.
BOX
KEY DECISIONS TAKEN
Shrine board doubles pilgrim insurance to
Rs 10 lakh, approves major infra projects
Shrine Board rolls out reforms to transform
Shrine into a world-class spiritual destination
Mata’s offerings to be sourced locally to
directly support community livelihoods
Board clears 3 projects-Maa Shakti Int’l Museum,
global-style sound-&-light show, documentary
Decision taken to fill posts; speedy recruitment
Free NEET coaching for youth from nearby areas
Phased rehabilitation plan cleared for Ponywallas
and ‘Pithu’ operators, in line with NGT directions
Committee formed to boost pilgrim footfall,
and enhance pilgrimage experience
Board to prioritise procurement from SHGs,
women and young local entrepreneurs
Direct contribution planned for Katra’s
transformation as a global pilgrimage city
Focus on making Katra clean, vibrant and
equipped with modern infrastructure
Board to lead sports devp in Jammu region
to nurture talent, promote youth fitness