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Jammu, Jan 18 (UNI) The House today passed 'The Jammu and Kashmir Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Bill 2008' to provide for better management, administration and governance of the Shrine and its endowments including the lands and buildings appurtenant to it.

The Bill was tabled for consideration by Minister of State for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Manjit Singh while MLA Ajay Kumar Sadhotra's suggestion to refer the Bill to a Select Committee of the House consisting of such member as will be nominated by the Speaker was however, rejected by voice vote.

However, MLA Mian Altaf Ahmad moved amendments in the Bill, which said ''It shall be the duty of the board to take steps to establish Educational Institutions of Higher Learning including Technical Education on the pattern of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board out of the Shrine Fund and also take steps to ensure that 20 per cent of the Shrine Fund is spent for the development of Reasi and its adjoining areas.'' Meanwhile, the Bill was put to voice vote and was passed along with amendments moved by Mr Mian Altaf Ahmad.

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