Shiv Sena (UBT), Sant Samaj demand priority for Hindus at SMVD hospital, university

Jammu, Feb 01: The Jammu-Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sant Samaj have jointly demanded that Hindus be given priority in admissions to the university and free treatment at the Super Specialty Narayan Hospital, both run by the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board. They have called for the formation of a Sanatan Board to oversee the management of Hindu temples and institutions.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu-Kashmir unit chief Manish Sahni and Swami Rajeshwaranand Ji Maharaj of the Sant Samaj made these demands during a press conference at Shri Rajmata Ji Ashram Shani Mandir in Katra. They also performed a havan-yagya for the peace of the souls of devotees who lost their lives during a stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Sahni questioned the delay in forming a Sanatan Board in India, asking if it would instead be formed in countries like Pakistan or Europe. He advocated for the disclosure of details of donations and offerings made to the Mata Vaishnodevi Darbar and demanded that a special budget be allocated for the Kanyadan Mahadaan scheme to support girls’ marriages.
The Shiv Sena leader said that institutions like the Vaishno Devi Hospital and University, which are run on donations from Hindus, should not be commercialised. He demanded that Hindus be given priority in admissions to these institutions and that only Hindu employees be appointed to the Shrine Board.
In a related development, Shiv Sena (UBT) has welcomed the decision to reserve quotas for the elderly and handicapped in helicopter bookings for the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Yatra, as well as the special darshan facility for residents of the Katra sub-division. Sahni praised the efforts of Shrine Board CEO Anshul Garg and his team in making the yatra smooth and convenient for devotees.