JAMMU, Oct 14: Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir Sewa Samitti has issued a fervent appeal to Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha to take over the administration of the Dharmarth Trust. The Samiti asserted that the Trust’s properties are currently subject to widespread mismanagement and inappropriate handling.
Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir Sewa Samitti is advocating for the establishment of a public board to oversee all temples and shrines under the Dharmarth Trust, thereby ending a 76-year-old family rule over this significant public trust in the Jammu and Kashmir state.
The Samitti further called for the formation of an independent commission to conduct a comprehensive audit of all properties owned by the Trust. This audit aims to clarify the extent of land and properties held by the trust prior to 1947, before the current trustees gained control through alleged manipulation. These longstanding demands from the Hindu community remain unanswered, leading to considerable dissatisfaction among the public.
Rajiv Mahajan, President and Thakur Karnail Chand, General Secretary of the Samitti, addressed the media during a press conference, alleging that Maharaja Gulab Singh established the Dharmarth Department in 1846 to ensure the proper management and supervision of Hindu temples and shrines in the state. It initially operated as a government department, with Maharaja Ranbir Singh appointed as the sole trustee.
However, with the abolishment of the monarchy in 1947, the Dharmarth Trust should have transitioned to a public entity. Regrettably, it remained under private control, eventually leading to the current scenario under the trusteeship of Dr. Karan Singh. Allegations of financial impropriety and misuse of trust assets persist, despite these concerns being documented in the state government’s response in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court (Writ Petition No. 1154/86) concerning the takeover of the shrine board by then-Governor Late Sh. Jagmohan.
The Samitti accuses those in control of the trust of mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, and illegal land deals, particularly in relation to the transfer of properties to the Muslim community in Kashmir Valley, which has raised significant concerns among the Hindu populace.
Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir Sewa Samitti appealed to the LG for a thorough CBI enquiry into the matter and, in the interim, suggests the formation of an ad-hoc committee under the guidance of the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and Srinagar, Prof. R. P Sharma, Prof. S.S Bhalwal, Rajiner Bhagat, Karan Singh, Pritam Sharma, Garu Ram Malhotra, Kamal Sharma, Subash Chander, Chuni Lal, and Nirmal Kishore, all members of the Samitti, present during the conference.