No new facilities for pilgrims at Sukrala Mata, Bala Sundri shrines
Sanjay Pathak
Kathua, March 29
Even as five years have passed since its constitution, the much-talked about Sukrala Mata and Bala Sundri Shrine Board is yet to make a significant change on the ground as the funds collected from devotees in the form of offerings have remained unutilised.
Besides, the board has failed to take over the affairs of Bala Sundri Shrine from the local committee. Despite the fact that Navratras have been going on since March 18, the pilgrims visiting these shrines are yet to get any improved facility.
Sources said about Rs 3 crore had been collected from the offerings but the amount remained unutilised after local Baridars approached the court demanding a share in the offerings.
Prior to the formation of the board, the Baridars used to get 70 per cent of the total offerings from these shrines while the share of local administration was 30 per cent.
Since the formation of board, the Baridars lost their share in the offerings which compelled them to approach the court.
“After the formation of the shrine board, there was great expectation that devotees would get advanced facilities at Mata Sukrala Mandir Shrine but nothing has changed on the ground till date,” said Raj Kumar, a local resident.
Satish Padha, president of the Baridar Association, said, “Since the formation of the shrine board on November 11, 2013, the government snatched all rights of the Baridars, which forced us to approach the court. We have been demanding 30 per cent share and 70 per cent employment in the board.”
He said the state government had constituted a tribunal, which would recommend compensation to the Baridars of Shri Mata Sukrala Devi Shrine and Shri Mata Bala Sundri Shrine but after passing of over a year, no decision in this regard had been taken.
“Soon after the formation of the board, the Baridars approached the court. Since the matter is sub judice, we cannot spend the money till a final decision comes through the court,” Zorawar Singh Jamwal, member of Mata Sukrala Devi Shrine Board, said.
