Jammu, July 19, 2025:
In a significant administrative development in Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya (IAS), has been given additional charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Katra. This move follows the deputation of the current CEO, Anshul Garg (IAS), to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
According to an official order issued on Saturday, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, a 2015-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, will hold the CEO position in addition to his existing responsibilities as Deputy Commissioner of Jammu. The interim arrangement has been made to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the shrine board during this transitional period.
Anshul Garg, a 2013-batch IAS officer, has been nominated for deputation from July 21 to August 16, 2025. During this time, Sachin Kumar Vaishya will oversee both the district administration in Jammu and the crucial operations of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, headquartered in Katra, manages the administration of one of India’s holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites—the Vaishno Devi temple in the Trikuta Hills. The shrine draws millions of devotees from across the country and abroad, making it a vital religious and tourist destination in the region.
This new responsibility highlights the trust placed in Vaishya’s administrative capabilities. His combined role is expected to ensure continuity and efficiency in the shrine’s management, especially during an important phase of pilgrimage activity.
This leadership change reinforces the government’s focus on ensuring seamless governance and uninterrupted pilgrimage experiences. The shrine board is responsible for key aspects including infrastructure development, security guidelines, sanitation management, healthcare, and accommodation for pilgrims.
The appointment also comes at a time when the administration is actively working to upgrade facilities and improve the overall pilgrimage experience in the Jammu region. With continuing efforts to boost religious tourism, strengthen infrastructure, and support local economies, such assignments underline the region’s larger development strategy.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra significantly contributes to the religious and economic ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir. Smooth management of the yatra is crucial for public faith, regional connectivity, and tourism-linked economic activity.
For devotees and residents alike, updates regarding Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board leadership, IAS officer appointments in Jammu, and developments related to the yatra remain of high public interest.
