Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in his capacity as Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), convened a high-level meeting on Thursday to scrutinize the management of offerings and donations at the revered Vaishno Devi shrine. This review comes in the wake of allegations concerning the detection of ‘impure silver’ among the precious metal offerings made by devotees. The meeting, attended by board members both in person and virtually, aimed to ensure complete transparency, accountability, and adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the handling of all contributions.
The development follows a directive from the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Jammu, which recently mandated the inquiry officer of the Crime Branch to appear in person. This appearance is in connection with the alleged discovery of a significant quantity of impure silver among the offerings. A Jammu-based lawyer had petitioned the court, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a thorough investigation into the matter. The court has scheduled the Crime Branch inquiry officer to present all relevant inquiry documents on July 29.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the allegations point to nearly Rs 500 crore worth of ‘impure silver’ offerings being detected at the shrine. The meeting, held at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra, saw the participation of prominent Shrine Board members including Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin, and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Also present were Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya, and other senior officials. The board conducted a comprehensive review of the collection, counting, accounting, safeguarding, and utilization processes for all devotee offerings.
A presentation during the meeting detailed the robust systems and institutional mechanisms established by the Shrine Board for the secure and transparent handling of offerings. These mechanisms encompass donations received through donation boxes, dedicated donation counters, online platforms, and in the form of precious metals. Officials confirmed that the board was apprised of the verification processes, surveillance mechanisms, banking safeguards, and periodic audits that govern every stage of the donation management lifecycle. It was emphasized that all financial transactions related to offerings and donations are conducted strictly in accordance with prescribed banking norms, statutory provisions, and guidelines issued by the Government of India.
Stringent security protocols for handling and storing precious metal offerings were also highlighted. The process includes secure transportation, processing, and refining through government-approved institutions, such as the Reserve Bank of India and the India Government Mint in Hyderabad. The board members reportedly expressed satisfaction with the existing arrangements, commending the transparency, accountability, and efficiency demonstrated. They also acknowledged the comprehensive safeguards and monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure that sacred offerings are managed with the highest standards of integrity, financial discipline, and public trust.
Reports indicate that approximately 20 tonnes of accumulated silver offerings, valued at around Rs 550 crore, had been sent for testing, melting, and processing. Preliminary findings from these reports suggest that only a small fraction, estimated between 5 to 6 percent, of the material was genuine silver. The remainder was allegedly composed of base metals such as cadmium and iron, raising significant concerns about the authenticity of past offerings and the integrity of the handling processes.
The SMVDSB’s commitment to transparency and accountability is underscored by these regular reviews and the implementation of advanced systems for managing donations. The allegations, however, necessitate a thorough examination of the processes and the materials received, particularly concerning precious metals. The court’s intervention through the CJM’s directive for the Crime Branch inquiry officer to appear in person signifies the seriousness with which the matter is being treated. The outcome of this inquiry and the ongoing review by the Shrine Board will be crucial in restoring and maintaining the faith of millions of devotees who contribute to the shrine’s upkeep and charitable activities.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board plays a pivotal role in managing one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The board is responsible for the overall administration, development, and management of the shrine, including the infrastructure, facilities for pilgrims, and the financial aspects of donations and offerings. The current review is a proactive measure to address concerns and reinforce the trust placed in the board by the devotees. The board’s adherence to stringent financial protocols and security measures is paramount, especially when dealing with substantial amounts of monetary and precious metal donations. The alleged presence of impure metals in offerings could have implications for the board’s reputation and the trust it commands among the public. Therefore, the detailed review and the ongoing investigation are critical steps in ensuring the sanctity and integrity of the donation management system at the Vaishno Devi shrine.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
