Chardham Yatra: Fee will have to be paid for VIP darshan in Badri-Kedar, Decision taken in Temple committee meeting
Summary
A board meeting was recently held under the leadership of BKTC Chairman Ajendra Ajay to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming Chardham Yatra 2023. During the meeting, several crucial decisions were made concerning the preparations for Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. These decisions likely include steps to enhance the facilities and infrastructure for the pilgrims, such as improving transportation, accommodations, medical services, and security measures. The meeting highlights the commitment and dedication of the authorities to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience for all the devotees.
Expansion
The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has recently decided to introduce a new system of fees for VIP darshan at Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Under this new system, devotees will have to pay a fee of Rs 300 to avail of the VIP darshan facility. This decision has been taken after studying the successful implementation of a similar system in other prominent temples across India, such as the Tirupati Balaji, Vaishno Devi, Mahakaleshwar, and Somnath temples. Additionally, the Kedarnath temple will install a Trishul made of Ashtadhatu weighing 100 kg, which is a significant development for the temple. These initiatives indicate the authorities’ efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience for devotees and provide better facilities and infrastructure.
A board meeting was recently held under the chairmanship of BKTC Chairman Ajendra Ajay at the Canal Road location office. During the meeting, several important decisions were taken regarding the arrangements for Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. A budget of 76.26 crores was passed for the next financial year 2023-24, with 39.90 crores allocated for the arrangements of Badrinath temple and 36.35 crores for Kedarnath. The budget aims to achieve a target of Rs 94,26,23,042 crore for the next financial year, representing an increase from the previous year’s income of Rs 65,53,11,583 crore. Moreover, the meeting also approved an action plan for the upcoming Chardham Yatra. Additionally, the renovation of the dilapidated meeting hall of Markandeya temple Makkumath was also discussed and will be undertaken as part of the overall efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience for devotees. Overall, the meeting reflects the authorities’ commitment to providing better facilities and infrastructure for the devotees visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham.
Only BKTC personnel will see the arrangement of protocol
To avoid chaos in the name of the VIP facility, a new protocol has been introduced at Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. According to this protocol, only personnel from the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) will be responsible for providing darshan to VIPs and distributing prasad, among other things. Previously, multiple authorities such as the police, administration, and BKTC managed the darshan arrangements for VIPs in their own way, leading to confusion and disorder. This new protocol aims to streamline the process and ensure a smooth and efficient VIP darshan experience for devotees. It reflects the authorities’ efforts to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience by minimizing confusion and inconvenience during the VIP darshan arrangements.
BKTC personnel will not take donation
To ensure transparency in the temple’s financial transactions, a new policy has been introduced at Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Under this policy, personnel associated with the worship system will no longer accept any donations or offerings directly from the devotees. Instead, they will motivate the devotees to put their donations and offerings in the designated donation box. Any personnel found accepting donations or offerings will face disciplinary action. To further enhance transparency, transparent glass huts will be set up in both the Dhams to count the donations received by the temples. These huts will also be equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure accountability and prevent any malpractices. This policy reflects the authorities’ commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in the temples’ financial operations and ensuring that the offerings made by the devotees are used for their intended purpose.
Establishment of Information Technology Unit
To improve IT-related operations and facilities, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has decided to establish its own information technology unit. This will allow for the implementation of an e-office system and the computerization of various sections. This move demonstrates the committee’s commitment to modernizing its operations and enhancing efficiency through the use of technology.
Additionally, BKTC has decided to reopen the currently closed Ayurvedic pharmacy in Vidyapeeth (Guptkashi) and prepare various Ayurvedic products. This decision will provide practical experience to the students of the Ayurvedic College run by BKTC. The move reflects the committee’s efforts to promote traditional Indian medicine and facilitate the study and practice of Ayurveda. It also aligns with the government’s push to promote Ayurveda and traditional medicine as an alternative to Western medicine.
were present in the meeting
The board meeting held under the chairmanship of BKTC Chairman Ajendra Ajay at the Canal Road location office was attended by several prominent members, including Vice President Kishore Panwar, Member Niwas Posti, Kripa Ram Semwal, Virendra Aswal, Rajpal Jaddari, Bhaskar Dimri, Ashutosh Dimri, Jai Prakash Uniyal, Chief Executive Officer Yogendra Singh, Officer on Special Duty Ramesh Rawat, Executive Engineer Anil Dhyani, Executive Officer Ramesh Tiwari, and others. The presence of such high-ranking members indicates the importance and significance of the decisions taken in the meeting regarding the arrangements for Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham.
