JAMMU, Oct 13: Senior National Conference leader Rajesh Gupta today demanded the immediate establishment of a dedicated Shrine Board for the historic Bawe Wali Mata Temple inside Bahu Fort, Jammu, asserting that devotees’ offerings must be protected through transparency, accountability and proper financial management.
Interacting with the media, Gupta said, “The offerings made by lakhs of devotees in the name of Mata Kali must be properly accounted for. Every rupee should be utilised for the welfare of devotees and the larger public good.”
Calling for an independent audit of the shrine’s receipts, expenditure and assets, Gupta said a dedicated Shrine Board would ensure professional administration, transparent accounts and better facilities for pilgrims.
He added that a Shrine Board could benefit not only devotees but the entire Jammu region. On the model of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, the proposed board could, subject to its legal mandate and available resources, establish educational institutions, hospitals and charitable facilities, transforming religious offerings into lasting public welfare.
“The demand for a Shrine Board has been raised for decades. The government must act without further delay. A properly constituted board can protect the shrine’s heritage, improve pilgrim facilities and create institutions that serve generations to come. Faith deserves respect, but financial accountability cannot be optional. The offerings made in Mata Kali’s name must benefit Her devotees and society at large,” Gupta asserted.