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9 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Enhances Pilgrim Insurance, Reviews Infrastructure Projects

Vaishno Devi board doubles pilgrim insurance to ₹10L, reviews infrastructure projects.

The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has doubled the insurance coverage for pilgrims to ₹10 lakh. The board also reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving facilities and safety for devotees.

This decision reflects an increased focus on pilgrim welfare and risk management, alongside infrastructure development to accommodate the growing number of visitors. The enhanced insurance coverage and infrastructure improvements are significant for ensuring a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage experience.

Key Facts

1.

Vaishno Devi Shrine Board doubled pilgrim insurance.

2.

Insurance coverage increased to ₹10 lakh.

3.

Board reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects.

4.

Focus on improving facilities and safety for devotees.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice - Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population

2.

GS Paper III: Infrastructure - Development of tourism infrastructure

3.

Ethical considerations in managing religious institutions and pilgrimage sites

Visual Insights

Vaishno Devi Pilgrim Insurance Enhancement

Key statistics regarding the enhanced insurance coverage for pilgrims at Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Insurance Coverage
₹10 lakh

Increased insurance coverage provides better financial security for pilgrims and their families in case of unforeseen events.

Previous Insurance Coverage
₹5 lakh+₹5 lakh

Doubling the insurance coverage demonstrates the board's commitment to pilgrim welfare and risk management.

More Information

Background

The Vaishno Devi Shrine is a significant pilgrimage site in India. The management and administration of the shrine are overseen by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. This board was constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. The board is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the pilgrimage, including infrastructure development and pilgrim welfare. Pilgrimage management in India has a long history, with various models adopted across different sites. Some shrines are managed by government-appointed boards, while others are managed by private trusts or local communities. The administration of religious places often involves balancing the interests of devotees, local communities, and the government. This balance is crucial for maintaining harmony and ensuring the sustainable development of pilgrimage sites. Insurance coverage for pilgrims is an important aspect of risk management. The provision of insurance aims to provide financial assistance to pilgrims in case of accidents or other unforeseen events. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) plays a crucial role in regulating the insurance sector and ensuring that insurance companies provide adequate coverage to policyholders. The enhancement of insurance coverage for Vaishno Devi pilgrims reflects a growing emphasis on pilgrim safety and welfare.

Latest Developments

The enhancement of insurance coverage for Vaishno Devi pilgrims is a recent development aimed at improving pilgrim welfare. This decision reflects a growing trend of prioritizing safety and risk management at pilgrimage sites. The Ministry of Tourism is actively involved in promoting and developing pilgrimage tourism in India, with a focus on providing better facilities and infrastructure for pilgrims. Ongoing infrastructure projects at Vaishno Devi are part of a broader effort to improve the pilgrimage experience. These projects often involve the construction of new roads, accommodation facilities, and other amenities. The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme aims to enhance the infrastructure at pilgrimage sites across India. This scheme focuses on integrated development of pilgrimage destinations. Looking ahead, it is expected that there will be increased investment in infrastructure development and pilgrim welfare at major pilgrimage sites in India. This investment will be driven by the growing number of pilgrims and the need to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience. The use of technology, such as mobile apps and online booking systems, is also expected to play a greater role in managing pilgrimage tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the key update regarding pilgrim insurance at the Vaishno Devi Shrine, and why is it significant for UPSC Prelims?

The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has doubled the insurance coverage for pilgrims to ₹10 lakh. This is significant as it reflects the Shrine Board's increased focus on pilgrim welfare and risk management, which are important aspects of social issues often covered in the UPSC Prelims.

Exam Tip

Remember the increased insurance amount (₹10 lakh) for potential MCQ questions.

2. What is the role of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and how does it relate to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act?

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board manages and administers the Vaishno Devi Shrine. As per the topic data, the board was constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. It is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the pilgrimage, including infrastructure development and pilgrim welfare.

3. Why is the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board focusing on infrastructure projects, and how does this relate to pilgrimage management?

The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is focusing on infrastructure projects to improve facilities and safety for devotees. This is directly related to pilgrimage management, as better infrastructure ensures a safer and more comfortable experience for the growing number of visitors. This also aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's focus on developing pilgrimage tourism.

4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of increasing insurance coverage for pilgrims at Vaishno Devi?

Increasing insurance coverage provides financial security to pilgrims and their families in case of accidents or unfortunate events, potentially boosting confidence in the pilgrimage. However, it may also increase the overall cost of the pilgrimage, potentially affecting poorer devotees. Proper implementation and awareness are crucial for realizing the benefits.

5. What recent developments have prompted the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to enhance pilgrim insurance and review infrastructure projects?

The enhancement of insurance coverage and review of infrastructure projects likely stems from a growing awareness of the need for better pilgrim welfare and risk management at major pilgrimage sites. There is a general trend towards prioritizing safety and comfort, possibly influenced by past incidents or increased visitor numbers.

6. How might the enhanced insurance coverage for Vaishno Devi pilgrims impact common citizens?

The enhanced insurance coverage can provide a sense of security and well-being for common citizens undertaking the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. It demonstrates a commitment to pilgrim safety and welfare, which can encourage more people to undertake the pilgrimage, potentially boosting local economies dependent on tourism.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board: 1. It was constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. 2. The board is responsible for managing only the Vaishno Devi shrine and no other religious sites. 3. The board's responsibilities include infrastructure development and pilgrim welfare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was indeed constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The board is primarily responsible for the Vaishno Devi shrine, but its mandate can extend to other related religious sites and activities in the region. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The board's responsibilities explicitly include infrastructure development and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims visiting the shrine. This involves providing facilities, managing crowds, and ensuring safety.

2. The insurance coverage for pilgrims to Vaishno Devi has been enhanced to what amount?

  • A.₹5 lakh
  • B.₹10 lakh
  • C.₹15 lakh
  • D.₹20 lakh
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has doubled the insurance coverage for pilgrims to ₹10 lakh, as stated in the provided summary. This enhancement aims to provide better financial security to pilgrims in case of unforeseen events during their pilgrimage.

3. Which of the following is the primary objective of the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme?

  • A.Providing financial assistance to religious organizations
  • B.Enhancing infrastructure at pilgrimage sites
  • C.Promoting religious tourism through marketing campaigns
  • D.Regulating the activities of religious institutions
Show Answer

Answer: B

The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme primarily aims to enhance infrastructure at pilgrimage sites across India. This includes improving transportation, accommodation, sanitation, and other facilities to provide a better experience for pilgrims. While the scheme may indirectly support religious tourism and organizations, its main focus is on infrastructure development.

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