LG Sinha Reviews Key Initiatives of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Advances International Goddess Museum Project
JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a special meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Lok Bhavan, Jammu, to review the progress of the proposed International Museum of Goddess at Katra and deliberate on key initiatives concerning the Shrine Board.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the International Museum of Goddess, envisioned as a major institution showcasing the spiritual, cultural, artistic and civilizational heritage associated with the worship of the Goddess.
The Shrine Board had accorded in-principle approval to the project during its 76th meeting held on February 8, 2026. A special meeting was subsequently convened at Lok Bhavan on May 21 to deliberate on the roadmap for implementing the project in a time-bound manner.
The Board was informed that extensive research, documentation and field-based cultural studies are underway to establish a strong scholarly foundation for the proposed museum. Teams of scholars and researchers are visiting temples, Shakti Peethas and other important centres of Devi worship to document their history, mythology, traditions, rituals, architecture, cultural significance and associated heritage through field research, documentation and videography.
The Board ratified the engagement of an Advisor for the Museum Project and considered the preliminary concept design presented by M/s Batul Raj Mehta & Associates (BRMA) and M/s Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd.
Considering the respective expertise of the two agencies in museum concept design, architecture, fabrication and construction consultancy, the Board approved their consortium for formulation of the preliminary concept design.
The meeting also deliberated on the scope of work, estimated project cost, implementation schedule and consortium fee for the concept design services. Following detailed discussions, the Board tentatively endorsed the initial projected cost and proposed consortium fee. It also approved in principle an implementation schedule envisaging completion of the project in approximately 38 months, subject to timely completion of prescribed milestones and all statutory, administrative and procedural requirements.
The Lieutenant Governor directed that a dedicated project team be constituted under the leadership of an experienced and competent officer with the requisite administrative and project-management expertise to ensure effective coordination, supervision and timely execution of the project.
The Board also reviewed arrangements for the licensing, operation, maintenance and management of nine premium cottages located near the Sports Stadium in Katra. The fully furnished two-bedroom units, equipped with modern facilities, are intended to provide quality hospitality services. M/s J&K Heritage Resorts Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded the facility for its operation under the ITC Hotels Ltd. brand.
The Board further discussed the future management of the Shrine Hospital at Kakryal and decided to entrust its management and operations to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Charitable Society. The arrangement will provide clearly defined functional verticals aimed at strengthening institutional management and healthcare delivery.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor released a special postal cover titled “Global Symbol of Faith”, issued by the Department of Posts in honour of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine. The special cover seeks to highlight the shrine’s rich heritage and universal appeal.
The meeting was attended by members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, including Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Gunjan Rana, Dr K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj and Sudha Murty participated virtually.
Also present were Shri Anjani Kumar Singh, Advisor to the Museum Project, virtually; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Government, Culture Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, SMVDSB; Brijesh Jha, Director (Academics & Research), Museum Project; Sagar Hanuman Singh, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle; Shah Nawaz Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Jammu; Rajeev Sharma, Superintendent of Post Office, Udhampur; Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; Batul Raj Mehta and representatives of BRMA and Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd., besides senior officers of the Shrine Board.
