Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, May 29

A high-level delegation from Madhya Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, visited Katra on Friday to study the functioning of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and replicate its model in major temples across the state.

The delegation’s visit aimed to understand the shrine board’s administrative and management framework, including temple operations, crowd management, and the board’s role in running educational and healthcare institutions.

After paying obeisance at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Mohan Yadav said the Madhya Pradesh government was working to strengthen management systems at major temples in the state, particularly in areas such as crowd control and conduct of religious practices.

“We decided to study the model of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and the delegation has visited here to understand its functioning and explore how it can be replicated,” Yadav said.

He said the delegation also examined how the shrine board manages institutions beyond temple administration, including a medical institute, hospital, and university.

Officials said the visit focused on learning from the shrine board’s integrated management system, which combines pilgrimage administration with social infrastructure and public services.

The Madhya Pradesh government is considering adopting similar practices for prominent shrines in the state, including Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Omkareshwar Temple.

The SMVDSB is widely regarded as a model for shrine management in the country, overseeing pilgrimage operations, infrastructure development, healthcare and education around the shrine area in Katra.