New 'priority darshan' system at Vaishno Devi being re-examined

Srinagar, Jun 4 (UNI) Rejecting the allegations that the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi has been commercialised, a spokesman for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said new 'priority darshan' scheme has been introduced to further streamline the yatra.

However, he said the Board was examining representations from various socio-religious organisations and other groups on the new 'priority darshan' scheme.

The Board was examining the whole gamut of this unnecessary controversy and on receiving feedback from the officials handling the yatra, the decision will be reviewed, the spokesman added.

Clarifying the whole issue, he said the term 'paid darshan' is a misnomer being used by many people unnecessarily. In fact, he said, the new priority system that the Board was experimenting was just a mechanism to further streamline the yatra.

He said it was not at all intended to 'commercialise' the yatra or to earn more revenue as was being alleged by various organisations.

He said the Board always had a mechanism to issue priority slips to the personnel of the Army, Police and other Security Forces in view of their urgent nature of duties.

''Unfortunately, this system did not work satisfactorily, as some touts in connivance with corrupt officials started misusing these slips by providing these to many general pilgrims against monetary considerations'', he added.

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