By News Agency of Kashmir
Srinagar: Though Governor NN Vohra has tried to diffuse the ongoing crises by handing over the `logistic management’ to Jammu and Kashmir, the decision may not be easy to be implemented keeping in view the provisions of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board Act 2000.
Experts believe that the decision may face some legal impediment as the Board can not delegate its powers to government in any case.
The famous Hindu Shrine is managed by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), that was constituted by an Act of the State Legislature in 2000 with the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir as its ex-officio Chairman.
The Amarnathji Shrine Board is responsible for smooth and trouble free pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine. Assisted by a Chief Executive officer who is a senior IAS officer and eight distinguished Board Members, the board has been assigned all the responsibility with regards to the management of the pilgrimage.
The Board has been have been assigned with various roles and responsibilities and it is the only body which can take care of the management of the pilgrimage.
As per section 16 of the Act the Board has been assigned the responsibility of undertaking developmental activities concerning the areas of the shrine and its surroundings. The responsibility is in addition to the management of religious affairs of the Shrine.
The provision further provides that the Board shall undertake for the benefit of worshippers and pilgrims, “The construction of buildings for their accommodation; the construction of sanitary works; and the improvement of means of communication”.
“To do all such things as may be incidental and conducive to the efficient management, maintenance and administration of the Holy Shrine and the Board Funds and for the convenience of the pilgrims”, the Section of the Act provides further.
A legal expert told News Agency of Kashmir that in case government wants to take over the management of the Board or any activity of it, the government will have to first amend the Act or abolish it in the state legislature.