Saturday, 17 July 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Considering the importance of religious beliefs, the Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board unanimously decided not to facilitate live transmission from the sanctum sanctorum of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. This and other decisions were taken in the meeting of the board presided over by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday even as Teerth Purohits continued their opposition to the continuation of the board.
During the third meeting of the Devasthanam Board on Friday, the budget for 2021-22 was approved. It was also decided that a Veda study centre will be opened at Joshimath. The board members also reached an agreement on selecting a consultant for execution of construction works related to infrastructure as per the master plan for successful conduct of the worship and pilgrimage in Kedarnath. Thanking all the members of the board, the chief minister stressed that the old traditions will continue at the Char Dham temples. The task of the government is to cooperate and not to impose its authority on the internal arrangements in the temples. The intention of the government to assist in the development of facilities in the temple complexes, he said. Dhami also asked all the board members to inform all about the government’s stand. He further said that talks will also be held with the people concerned in this regard. In case the Char Dham Yatra is not conducted, if needed the provision of additional financial assistance to the board will also be considered. The chief minister sought an amended proposal for this purpose.
The Garhwal commissioner and board’s chief executive officer, Ravinath Raman informed that the board had approved the proposed budget for 2021-22 of Rs 24.46 crore for Badrinath, Rs 29.92 crore for Kedarnath and Rs 50 lakh each for Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Tourism minister and vice chairman of the Devasthanam Board, Satpal Maharaaz, chief secretary Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, secretary Dilip Jawalkar along with board members Manujendra Shah, Sriniwas Posti and others were also present in the meeting.
