Jammu, Jul 16 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to review the management system for offerings and donations at the revered shrine, with a focus on transparency, accountability and financial discipline.
The meeting, held at Katra, was attended by Shrine Board members and senior officials, who reviewed the collection, counting, accounting, safeguarding and utilisation of devotees’ offerings received through donation boxes, counters, online platforms and in the form of precious metals.
Officials gave a detailed presentation on the systems and institutional mechanisms in place for the secure and transparent handling of donations. The Board was briefed on verification procedures, surveillance measures, banking safeguards and periodic audits followed at every stage of the process.
The officials informed the meeting that all financial transactions related to offerings and donations are carried out in accordance with prescribed banking norms, statutory provisions and the guidelines issued by the Government of India.
The Board also reviewed the security protocols for handling, storage, transportation and processing of precious metal offerings through government-approved institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India and the India Government Mint, Hyderabad.
Following the review, the Board expressed satisfaction over the existing arrangements and appreciated the safeguards and monitoring mechanisms adopted to ensure transparency, accountability and efficient management of devotees’ offerings, an official statement said.(NVI)
