JK News Today
Katra, June 4: The Chamber of Tourism Trade & Industry Katra (CTTIK) has urged the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to establish a dedicated Amarnath Yatra Facilitation Centre at Katra, along with introducing healthcare and educational concessions for local residents.
A delegation of CTTIK led by its President, Raj Kumar Padha, met Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, and submitted a detailed representation outlining several proposals aimed at improving pilgrim services and strengthening community welfare.
Demand for Amarnath Yatra Facilitation Centre
The Chamber emphasized that Katra serves as the base camp for millions of pilgrims visiting the revered shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine every year. It noted that a significant number of devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra also pass through Katra before proceeding towards the holy cave shrine.
According to CTTIK, the absence of a dedicated facilitation and registration centre in Katra forces many pilgrims to travel back to Jammu to complete registration formalities and make onward travel arrangements. With enhanced rail connectivity now enabling pilgrims, after necessary screening and formalities, to travel directly from Katra towards Srinagar, the Chamber argued that the establishment of an Amarnath Facilitation Centre in Katra has become both relevant and necessary.
CTTIK Secretary Atul Sharma requested the Shrine Board to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and facilitate the creation of a centre that would provide registration assistance, information services, medical guidance, transportation support, and other services related to the Amarnath Yatra.
The Chamber also suggested integrating services related to both the Vaishno Devi and Amarnath pilgrimages to provide devotees with a seamless pilgrimage experience.
Economic Benefits for Katra
CTTIK maintained that such a facility would not only improve pilgrim convenience but also boost Katra’s economy by increasing tourist footfall, extending visitor stays, generating additional business activity, and creating employment opportunities for local residents.
Healthcare Concessions for Local Residents
In another significant proposal, the Chamber sought the introduction of a special concession scheme for permanent residents of Katra at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.
The Chamber requested subsidized access to medical consultations, diagnostic services, and treatment facilities for local residents. It said such an initiative would improve access to quality healthcare, strengthen the Shrine Board’s welfare efforts, and ensure better utilization of the hospital’s advanced healthcare infrastructure.
Educational Benefits at SMVD University
CTTIK Executive Member Neelam Singh also proposed educational concessions for children from Katra at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.
The proposal includes reservation of seats and subsidized tuition fees for local students, particularly in courses where seats often remain vacant. The Chamber said such measures would help deserving students access quality higher education at affordable costs, reduce the need to seek opportunities outside Jammu and Kashmir, improve enrolment levels, and strengthen ties between the university and the local community.
CEO Assures Support
During the meeting, CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya listened to the concerns and suggestions raised by the Chamber and appreciated the constructive proposals. He expressed willingness to take up the issues at the appropriate level for consideration and assured the delegation of his cooperation in initiatives aimed at pilgrim welfare and the promotion of pilgrimage tourism.
Speaking after the meeting, Raj Kumar Padha expressed confidence that the proposed measures would contribute significantly towards promoting pilgrimage tourism, enhancing local welfare, and ensuring the inclusive development of Katra as one of India’s leading religious tourism destinations.
The Chamber also thanked the Shrine Board CEO for his positive response and expressed hope that the proposed initiatives would be implemented in the larger interest of pilgrims and the local community.
