Jammu: Jammu-Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated several key projects, including the Shubhra Bhawan and the Yatri Facilitation Centre (YFC), and reiterated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s commitment to offering an enriching experience to pilgrims by improving transparency and efficiency.
The LG expressed confidence that the seamless delivery of these enhanced services would significantly improve the overall experience and comfort of devotees visiting the revered shrine.
Among the inaugurated facilities were the Yatri Facilitation Centre at the Katra Railway Station and the Yatri Facilitation-cum-Staff Accommodation Complex—Shubhra Bhawan—at Banganga.
Built at a cost of Rs 6.50 crore, the Shubhra Bhawan includes disaster management provisions, a comfortable and spacious waiting lounge, a lactating mothers’ zone, a centralised information and registration centre, a souvenir shop, refreshment kiosks, a bank, and water ATMs, according to a spokesperson.
“Additionally, 18 modern staff quarters have been provided in the complex. A well-equipped disaster management store at the Shubhra Bhawan is expected to serve as a critical resource for emergency response and disaster mitigation,” the spokesperson said.
The LG also laid the e-foundation stone for a new exit track at the bhawan, aimed at decongesting the area. He launched digital initiatives of the shrine board, including an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and the AI-enabled chatbot “Shakti” on the Board’s official website.
The Panchang Calendar 2025 and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s diary were also released.
Meanwhile, LG also unveiled the Silver Jubilee Issue of Shri Raghvendra Panchang, at University of Jammu.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated Sh Chander Mouli Raina, the editorial team of the Panchang and all the members of Shri Raghvendra Jyotish Sansthan Trust on the occasion.
He also commended the efforts of the Trust on making people aware about traditions and for carrying forward the legacy of Panchang which reflects the composite culture and rich heritage of the country.
“I believe our research on astrology and ancient scriptures should touch the lives of people from all walks of life. We must promote global good. We need to focus on spreading the importance of a spiritually rich life and value-based living among our citizens,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He emphasized that we should understand history to develop our thinking and decision-making capabilities to build a better future. “One should get back to the roots for a clear vision and goals of the future,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also advised the Shri Raghvendra Jyotish Sansthan Trust for digital publishing of the Panchang and mobile application for value addition.
The knowledge and wisdom present in our ancient traditions should be made easily accessible to the people, especially the young generation, he added.
