Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 10: Despite witnessing decline in total number of foot falls of pilgrim traffic to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine the donation/collection boxes have collected Rs 1.90 crore of old currency notes since in the last one month.
"The demonetization was announced on November 8 and till December 8, in 30-day period, a total of Rs 1.90 crore of the old currency notes in Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations have been found in the donation boxes at world famous cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills of Reasi district, official spokesperson said, adding, "these have been duly deposited in the Bank."
Official; spokesperson said, "An advisory advises the pilgrims not to put old currency notes in the Donation Boxes has been issued by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and to aware pilgrims have been issued as pamphlet and displayed at different locations along the track as well as at Niharika, Adhkuwari, Bhawan and at each of the accommodation and other units. The spokesman said old currency notes are still being found in the donation boxes installed at various locations however the number has reduced considerably.
Spokesperson said, "Governor N N Vohra, who is also the Chairman of the Board, visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine has reviewed the arrangements for the pilgrims and status of implementation of major development works, particularly the completion of the Tarakote Marg.
"The Governor also has sought a report from the CEO about the difficulties caused to the pilgrims because of the replacement of the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes and how the same were being dealt with, he said.
A K Sahu, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, informed the Governor that in the wake of Government's decision to replace the currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations and various measures were also taken to assist the pilgrims. |
