Shrine Board Reaffirms Pilgrim, Social Welfare its Key Priorities on 80th Independence Day
Katra, August 15: To commemorate the 80th Independence Day, Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) hoisted the Tricolour amid patriotic fervour at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra, following an impressive march-past by contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, NCC Boys and Girls, besides students of various educational institutions.
Addressing the gathering, the CEO extended his greetings and paid tribute to the freedom fighters who made the supreme sacrifice for the country’s independence. Referring to this year’s theme, “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat 2047” and the commemoration of 150 glorious years of ‘Vande Mataram’, he called upon the youth to contribute actively to nation-building. He said that the Tricolour symbolises national pride and reminds citizens to discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and responsibility.
The CEO contended that under the chairmanship of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt. Governor, JK-UT, the Shrine Board has accorded high priority to strengthening its infrastructure and logistics for providing enhanced facilities and a seamless pilgrimage experience.
Highlighting the growing pilgrim footfall, he stated that over 50 lakh pilgrims had visited the Holy Shrine by June 2026, registering an increase of around 11 lakh pilgrims over the corresponding period last year. He attributed this growing footfall to the deep faith of devotees and their confidence in the arrangements made for the pilgrimage. The CEO also expressed his appreciation to the staff, security forces and all stakeholders for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the smooth, safe and efficient regulation of the Yatra.
He highlighted major infrastructure initiatives, including the recently inaugurated helipad at Village Hatt, Katra, which will facilitate helicopter services for devotees visiting the Shiv Khori Shrine while promoting religious tourism, and the New Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan, which has further enhanced pilgrim amenities. He also described the upcoming International Goddess Museum at Katra as a significant initiative to showcase India’s rich Shakti tradition and the diverse manifestations of Goddess Durga.
On social support initiatives, the CEO informed that the modern dental laboratory at Maa Durga Dental Clinic, Katra has been upgraded and commissioned at a cost of approximately ₹43.54 lakh for providing high-quality dental care to pilgrims and local residents. Under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the Board has provided 270 nutritional food baskets to TB patients. The Board has also undertaken construction of three temples at Sarotkot, Khanikot and Pouni in Reasi district and renovation of the Shiv Parivar Temple and Thakurdwara Temple at Bhamyal at an estimated cost of ₹1.19 crore. He further highlighted the provision of relief material worth ₹40 lakh to the district administrations of Rajouri and Poonch for distribution among families affected by natural calamities.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, the CEO said that over 13 Self-Help Groups comprising around 450–500 women are associated with the Shrine Board for supplying Prasad items. During the last financial year, the initiative facilitated income-generation opportunities of approximately ₹3.50 crore, with plans to expand its outreach in the region.
He further highlighted the Board’s achievements in environmental conservation and sports, including the ‘Jal Yodha’ Award and laurels brought by sportspersons of the Sports Complex at national and international levels. He particularly lauded para-archer Payal Nag for winning a gold medal at the World Archery Para Series 2026 and appreciated the outstanding performance of the Women’s Basketball Team.
The CEO also asserted about the benefits of various Government schemes through concerned departments those have reached the people, including Har Ghar Jal, restoration and infrastructure works, strengthened power supply, expedited relief and compensation, digitization and Mission Yuva initiatives, besides 100% Aadhaar seeding and smooth biometric ration distribution.
The celebrations also featured a colourful cultural programme by students, showcasing patriotism, national integration and the spirit of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan. Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya felicitated outstanding Shrine Board staff and presented prizes and appreciation awards to students judged best in the march-past and cultural programme.
Among those present were Addl. CEO; Jt. CEO, SMVDSB; SDM, Katra; Addl. SP, Katra; Commandant, 6th Battalion CRPF; FA/CAO; Dy. CEO; Asstt. CEOs, Tehsildar besides managers, engineers and other officers and staff of the Shrine Board. In addition, members of Municipal Committee Katra, Civil, Police and Security Forces Officers, Prominent Citizens, Heads of various Educational Institutions, Media Persons, a large number of people of the area, teachers, school children and the pilgrims.
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya also hoisted the Tricolour at the Central Office of the SMVD Shrine Board, Katra.