Foundation Stone of Sri Shankaracharya Temple Laid in Katra; SHG Support Enhanced to Boost Local Livelihoods

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU FEBRUARY 18:-In a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of the Sri Shankaracharya Temple on the adjoining hillocks of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra.

Describing the occasion as historic, the Lieutenant Governor said the long-awaited project, originally conceived in the 1960s, has finally taken shape after decades of anticipation. He remarked that the day would be remembered not only in J&K but across the nation as a significant milestone in preserving and promoting spiritual heritage.
The total expenditure for the temple complex, amounting to ₹31.51 crore, will be fully borne by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. As part of the development plan, the Board will also construct 50 commercial shops within the temple complex. These shops will be allotted to the landowners who donated their land for the sacred cause, ensuring community participation and rehabilitation.
On the sidelines of the event, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with women entrepreneurs associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Reasi and adjoining areas. In a major boost to local livelihoods, he announced that the annual procurement of Puja Samagri and Prasad from SHGs will be increased from the current ₹5 crore to ₹12 crore. The move is expected to significantly strengthen income generation opportunities for women-led groups and promote grassroots economic empowerment in the region.

The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to balanced development—preserving religious heritage while simultaneously fostering inclusive economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.