Shrine board set to hand over six renovated govt schools in Reasi

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya on Thursday directed the officials to expedite the execution of all ongoing development works.

He issued these instructions while chairing a review meeting on the Board’s developmental works held at the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, with special focus on works being executed under its social support initiative in and around Katra.

During the meeting, the CEO undertook a comprehensive review of the development works being implemented by the Board in the surrounding areas, along the tracks leading to the holy shrine and within the shrine premises, aimed at further strengthening and upgrading facilities for the pilgrims and the public at large.

As part of the deliberations, the CEO also reviewed the progress of repair and renovation works in twelve government schools in Reasi district and one in Udhampur district, taken up by the Shrine Board under its social support initiative. These schools include Government High School, Sirla Bhaga; middle schools at Chack Bhagtha, Panthal, Parthal, Manoon and Kun Kanyala; and primary schools at Hansali, Kalara Chanjute, Upper Sirla, Geeta Nagar, Purana Daroor and Chumbra in Reasi district, besides Government Primary School, Dhanno in Udhampur district.

The CEO instructed that the six schools where repair and renovation works have been completed be formally handed over to the concerned authorities at the earliest. The completed works comprise construction of new classrooms, repair of damaged roofs with waterproofing, plastering and painting, structural strengthening, repair of doors and windows, and provision of electrification and flooring wherever required.

He emphasised that the timely handover of these institutions will enable local children to benefit from upgraded academic infrastructure and a significantly improved learning environment created through these initiatives.

The CEO was also apprised that the shrine board has successfully completed the construction of drains and road works at Sirah Colony, Kakryal, at a cost of Rs 1.38 crore under its social support programme, reflecting the Board’s contribution to public welfare in the region in addition to providing services to pilgrims.

It is noteworthy that in recent years, the shrine board has supported several such initiatives, including scholarships for meritorious students, upgradation of health facilities and development of community infrastructure in the surrounding areas.