Jammu: Lauding the tireless efforts of each and every foot soldier, Chief Executive Officer of Shri mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg on Wednesday said that the shrine have emerged as one of the most visited in the country and collective efforts have been recognized at the National Level in the form of National Water Award and National e-governance Award which indicates our steadfast pursuit of the mandate entrusted to us by the Board.

Garg attended the special Prayers, Havan and Yagya to mark the celebration of 38th Foundation Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Katra in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Board was formed on this day in 1986.

The CEO recalled the contributions made for the facilitation of the pilgrims throughout the journey and contended that the Shrine Board is committed to ensure the best possible facilities are put in place for the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims.

He extended gratitude to the Chairman of Shrine Board (Manoj Sinha Lt. Governor, JK-UT) for his continuous support and guidance under which a plethora of initiatives for facilitation of pilgrims and welfare of staff are being undertaken by the Board relatively in a short span of time.

Besides, creation, upgradation and expansion of perceptible improvements in infrastructure both for pilgrims and staff, state-of-the-art initiatives such as RFID based Yatra access cards, Panchmeva Prasad/Prasad Counters and new online portals have been launched.

He also enumerated various significant measures for the general welfare of the Shrine Board employees which include promotion of several stagnant employees, increased allowances and many others.

Garg while congratulating the newly promoted team members stressed all employees to ensure greater facilitation of pilgrims visiting the Holy Cave Shrine adding that all of us need to redouble our efforts and no stone should be left unturned to provide best possible services to the pilgrims to make the pilgrimage a memorable experience for them.

At Katra, the main function was held at Niharika Complex where special prayers were performed by organizing Havan. Among those present on the occasion were Navneet Singh, Addl.CEO; Dr Jagdish Mehra, Joint CEO, besides officers and staff of the Shrine Board.

The religious ceremonies were also organized at Bhawan, Adhkuwari and Jammu in which the staff of the Shrine Board and the pilgrims participated.