JAMMU: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in its meeting on February 9, has taken a series of high-impact decisions to completely transform the Mata’s Shrine and its surrounding region into India’s leading and most vibrant spiritual destination, earning worldwide acclaim.
The meeting was chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi 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 modelled 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 the recruitment process set to begin shortly.
The SMVDSB has also greenlit the establishment of coaching centres 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 the 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.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has resolved to prioritise purchases from self-help groups, women, and young local entrepreneurs to supercharge the regional economy.
The Board has decided that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board would source Mata’s offerings locally, channelling 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.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine 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).
Key Decisions Taken At The Board Meeting
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.
Emphasising pilgrim safety, the Board approved increasing insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per pilgrim. Besides, endorsed the preliminary concept for constructing an International Museum dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi Ji at Natali, Katra, with the consultation of the Asian Heritage Foundation. The proposed Shakti Museum will be the first of its kind and would serve as a religious, educational and cultural centre.
Additionally, the state-of-the-art light & sound shows will bring mythology to life through a fusion of tradition and innovation. The Lieutenant Governor requested that the Board provide concrete suggestions to enable the project to be initiated in the coming months and completed within a two-year timeframe.
Give Impetus To Infrastructure
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 stabilisation 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, upon execution of a revised MoU, SMVDSB will provide a one-time financial grant to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board under the Shrine Act for the 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 initiative to renovate 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 SMVDSB’s greening initiatives 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.
Laying Down Of Foundation Stones For Various Projects
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 Rs 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 of SMVDSB presented a detailed overview of the Board’s activities and progress in implementing decisions taken at previous meetings.
The meeting was attended by all Board Members, including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Shri Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Smt. Sudha Murty, Smt. Gunjan Rana, Dr KK Talwar, Shri Kulbhushan Ahuja, Shri Lalit Bhasin and Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma.
Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, also attended the meeting.
