SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday chaired a special meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Lok Bhavan here and reviewed the progress of the proposed International Museum of Goddess at Katra besides taking key decisions on hospitality and healthcare facilities associated with the shrine.
The meeting also discussed various matters concerning the functioning of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, with a focus on strengthening facilities for pilgrims and ensuring timely implementation of major projects.
The Board reviewed the progress of the International Museum of Goddess, a project envisaged to showcase the spiritual, cultural, artistic and civilisational heritage associated with the worship of the Goddess.
The Shrine Board had accorded in-principle approval to the project during its 76th meeting held on February 8, 2026. A special meeting was subsequently held at Lok Bhavan on May 21 to deliberate on the roadmap for taking the project forward in a time-bound manner.
During Sunday’s meeting, the Board was informed that extensive research, documentation and field studies are being carried out to develop the scholarly foundation for the proposed museum.
Teams of scholars and researchers are visiting temples, Shakti Peethas and other important centres associated with Devi worship to document their history, mythology, traditions, rituals, architecture and cultural significance through field research, documentation and videography.
The Board ratified the engagement of an advisor for the Museum Project and also deliberated on the preliminary concept design presented by M/s Batul Raj Mehta & Associates (BRMA) and M/s Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd.
Considering the expertise of BRMA in museum concept design and Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd. in architectural, fabrication and construction consultancy, the Board approved the consortium of the two agencies for formulation of the preliminary concept design.
The Board also discussed the scope of work, estimated project cost, implementation schedule and consortium fee for the concept design services. It tentatively endorsed the initial projected cost and proposed consortium fee and approved in principle an implementation schedule envisaging completion of the project in around 38 months, subject to completion of prescribed milestones and statutory and administrative requirements.
The Lieutenant Governor directed that a dedicated project team be constituted for the museum, headed by an experienced and competent officer with the required administrative and project-management expertise, to ensure effective coordination and supervision of the project.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for licensing, operation, maintenance and management of nine premium cottages located near the Sports Stadium in Katra.
The fully furnished two-bedroom cottages, equipped with modern facilities, are intended to provide quality accommodation facilities. The facility has been awarded to M/s J&K Heritage Resorts Pvt. Ltd. for operation under the ITC Hotels brand.
The Board also discussed the future management of the Shrine Hospital at Kakryal and decided to entrust its management and operations to the SMVD Charitable Society.
The arrangement will provide defined functional verticals aimed at ensuring efficient management and delivery of healthcare services.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor released a special postal cover titled “Global Symbol of Faith”, issued by the Department of Posts in honour of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine.
The special cover is aimed at showcasing the shrine’s rich heritage and universal appeal.
The meeting was attended by Shrine Board members Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Gunjan Rana, Dr K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj and Sudha Murty attended the meeting virtually.
Also present were Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, SMVDSB; Brijesh Jha, Director (Academics & Research), Museum Project; Sagar Hanuman Singh, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle; Shah Nawaz Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Jammu; Rajeev Sharma, Superintendent of Post Office, Udhampur; Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA, besides representatives of BRMA, Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd. and senior Shrine Board officers.
