The revered shrine of Baba Payam ud Din Reshi in Tangmarg stands as a sacred site visited by thousands of devotees annually. This pilgrimage site not only serves as a spiritual center but also generates significant financial revenue. Shockingly, the annual turnover of the shrine is estimated to be approximately ₹ 7 crore, an amount that could transform the shrine into a beacon of development and progress. However, glaring questions arise: where is this money going? Why has there been no visible development in decades?
A Shrine Stuck In Time: The shrine, adorned with old wooden buildings and basic infrastructure dating back to the 19th century, remains frozen in time. The structures, while rich in historical value, are fragile and desperately require upgrades. Even the occasional touch-up, such as a paint job from Asian Paints, barely scratches the surface of the extensive repairs and modernizations needed.
Despite the shrine’s hefty income, there is a shocking lack of accountability and transparency about how these funds are being utilized. With no new infrastructure, no modern amenities for devotees, and no visible signs of progress, one must ask: is the management of the shrine failing its purpose?
An authority In denial: The silence of the authorities on this issue is deafening. It is inconceivable that a revenue stream as significant as ₹ 7 crore per annum could go unnoticed by those in charge. Are the authorities deliberately ignoring the matter, or are they complicit in mismanaging the funds?
Lack Of Action Raises Serious Concerns; Are The Funds Being Diverted Elsewhere?
Who Is Responsible For Financial Oversight Of Shrine?
Why Is No Audit Or Public Report Available To Account For The Utilization Of The Revenue? If this issue is indeed within the knowledge of the authorities and they choose to remain silent, it speaks volumes about the neglect and potential mismanagement of a site that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for thousands.
“Without immediate action, the legacy of Baba Payam ud Din Reshi will not only be spiritual but also a stark reminder of administrative apathy and mismanagement. The question remains: how long will this silence continue, and how long will the devotees have to wait for justice and progress?”
A Call For Transparency And Action: The people who visit the shrine, contributing their hard-earned money as offerings, deserve answers. The lack of development is not just a matter of negligence but a betrayal of the trust placed in the shrine’s administration. This is a wake-up call for both the shrine’s management and the government to address the following:
1. Conduct An Independent Audit: An immediate audit of the shrine’s financial records should be undertaken to trace where the money is going.
2. Establish Transparency: Publish an annual financial report detailing income and expenditures for public scrutiny.
3. Plan And Implement Development: Allocate funds for the construction of modern infrastructure, including better facilities for devotees, enhanced accessibility, and preservation of the shrine’s heritage.
4. Hold Authorities Accountable: If the authorities are aware of the issue and choose inaction, they must be held accountable for their negligence.
Devotees Deserve Better: It is not enough for the shrine to merely exist as a relic of the past. With the resources at its disposal, it has the potential to become a model of development and a source of pride for the region. However, this can only be achieved if those entrusted with its management take their responsibilities seriously. The silence of the authorities must end, and answers must be provided to the public. Without immediate action, the legacy of Baba Payam ud Din Reshi will not only be spiritual but also a stark reminder of administrative apathy and mismanagement. The question remains: how long will this silence continue, and how long will the devotees have to wait for justice and progress?
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Advocate Sajad Paul
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