STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Former Minister and PCC General Secretary, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma on Wednesday slammed BJP Government for making various shrines boards redundant and severely affecting the management of shrines particularly at Mata Sukrala and Mata Bala Sundri in Billawar where government has miserably failed to convene a single meeting of the aforesaid Board for the last two years.
Manohar stated this during his weeklong tour of Billawar constituency and district Kathua where he attended various social and religious functions. He also performed Pooja Archana at Mal Mata Sukrala Devi and prayed to Almighty for peace and prosperity in the country and the State.
Baridars, locals and devotees from different areas apprised Manohar about the deteriorating condition of the shrines due to lackadaisical attitude of the present dispensation.
Manohar expressed concern on the dismal condition of public utility services, lack of parking place, dilapidated approach road heading towards the shrines. “Despite poor conditions nobody in the government is bothered to rectify the lacunae,” he added.
He alleged that inspite of sufficient funds available with Shrine Boards and substantial increase in offerings by the devotees the BJP Government under its hidden agenda is trying to create chaotic situation against the shrine boards to destabilize the Shrine Board Act passed by previous government for the betterment and proper functioning of shrines.
Citing previous government’s initiative in the matter, he said that construction of TRC at Sukrala Mata with an estimated cost of Rs 2.25 crore, a Sarai constructed by PWD at a cost of Rs 1 crore, a toilet complex and pathways were completed in 2013-14. “Unfortunately, no work has been initiated by the present regime”, he said adding that project worth Rs. 5 crore sanctioned by UPA government and implemented by the Lakhanpur-Sarthal Authority is still incomplete due to the slackness of this government.
The locals however rued that despite advertising posts, various vacancies are lying vacant in the board as government did not pursued recruitment process.
Manohar demanded to immediately convene the meeting of the board and make such meetings mandatory in every quarter to ensure proper working of boards.
