Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh today chaired a meeting to review the progress of ongoing works for development of Shri Mata Sukrala Devi Ji Shrine and Shri Mata Bala Sundri Ji Shrine.Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, M.K Bhandari, District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Ramesh Kumar , SSP Kathua , Mohd. Suleman Choudhary, Addl. CEO SMVDSB , Anshul Garg , board members of shrines and concerned officers were present in the meeting.The Deputy Chief Minister directed the officers for time bound completion of all the developmental and infrastructural works of the shrines. “A proper supervision of functioning of boards must be ensured to move ahead on the way of development of these shrines”, he said.The Minister directed the concerned officers to visit the shrines and submit status report of various developmental works at regular intervals. He also entrusted the officers to take necessary steps to ensure proper management of the assets at the shrines.He directed the concerned officers to ensure all the requisite facilities to the devotees coming to pay their obeisance at Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Mata Bala Sundri Ji shrines.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Government is working with the vision to boost religious tourism in the State and to bring it to reality; comprehensive efforts are underway to ensure the development of various religious places and shrines across the State. He also constituted a committee to supervise the working of the Shrine Boards and also directed to fix the responsibilities on the officers.He said that appropriate arrangements will be made for the comfort of old and disabled devotes travelling to the shrines.The Deputy Chief Minister was also informed about the various issues related to the overall infrastructural development of the shrines and functioning of their boards. Demands of the people in concern with the shrines were also put forth in the meeting. The Minister assured that all the genuine demands of the people will be addressed and further asked the officers and board members of the shrines to draft proper guidelines redressing the grievances.Various other important issues related to food, lodging, water and sanitation facilities for the devotees along with the security of the shrines were also discussed in the meeting.