Pilgrims Appeal to Shrine Board
RAHI KAPOOR
JAMMU/KATRA:
The world-renowned pilgrimage site of Mata Vaishno Devi, attracting millions of devotees not only from India but also abroad, is facing a significant issue. Pilgrims visiting the holy shrine report difficulties due to the lack of digital payment facilities. Concerned over this, travelers have appealed to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to take necessary steps to address this matter.
According to devotees, digital payment has become an essential service in today’s time, yet there is no provision for cashless payments at places like horse and palanquin counters, battery-operated vehicle services, or food stalls. Pilgrims express frustration over being forced to pay only in cash, urging the Shrine Board to improve this aspect of their visit.
Pilgrims’ Experiences and Appeal
Ketan Verma shared his experience, saying, “We visited Mata Vaishno Devi, and while the Shrine Board has done well with other facilities, the lack of digital payment options is a major problem. When we went to the prepaid counter for the horse and palanquin services, they only accepted cash, which was quite inconvenient for us.”
Rishikesh Mane added, “At Adhkuwari, when we went to get tickets for the battery-operated car, we were told that only cash is accepted. With no digital payment option, we had to borrow cash from another traveler, which we later repaid digitally. In this day and age, the lack of such a facility is truly concerning.”
Sugam Bali voiced similar concerns, saying, “Because digital payment isn’t available, we had to arrange cash repeatedly. Carrying large amounts of cash in crowded areas is risky, with the added fear of pickpocketing or theft.”
Lack of Digital Payment Options and Potential Solutions
Naturally, the question arises: when Mata Vaishno Devi, a globally significant pilgrimage destination, has adequate network connectivity, why is there no digital payment option at counters and stalls? Pilgrims have suggested that the Shrine Board seriously consider this problem and implement a robust directive to facilitate cashless payments.
Pilgrims have requested the Shrine Board CEO, Anshul Garg, to take note of this issue and prioritize digital payment across all service centers so that future visitors are not inconvenienced.