Key Highlights
- Brahmin Pratinidhi Sabha Chamba opposes green tax on Manimahesh Yatra pilgrims
- Demands increase in monthly honorarium of temple staff from ₹1,500
- Calls for removal of encroachments and better parking near Lakshminath Temple
Meeting Decisions
The monthly meeting of the Brahmin Pratinidhi Sabha Chamba was held on Saturday at Parshuram Bhawan in Janasali under the chairmanship of Ajitesh Sharma. The proceedings began with confirmation of the previous meeting's minutes and agenda.
Discussions on organizational expansion led to a decision to hold periodic village-level meetings to extend the Sabha's activities to rural areas. Members nominated by the state Brahmin Kalyan Board were urged to attend meetings regularly.
Opposition to Green Tax
The Sabha unanimously opposed the proposed green tax (entry tax) by the Bharamour administration for the Shri Manimahesh Yatra. Calling it against the religious sentiments of devotees and public interest, the Sabha sent a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate-cum-Project Officer, Tribal Development, Bharamour, demanding a review. A copy was also sent to the Deputy Commissioner.
Support for Temple Staff
The Sabha supported the demand for a hike in the honorarium of bajantris (traditional musicians) and other temporary staff of Shri Lakshminath Temple, terming the current ₹1,500 per month as insufficient.
Encroachment and Parking Issues
Concerns were raised over haphazard parking outside the main entrance of the temple, goods spread outside shops, and large hoardings obstructing darshan of Shri Gauri Shankar Bhagwan. The Sabha urged the administration to improve parking, remove encroachments, and regulate hoardings as per rules.
Attendees
The meeting was attended by Ajitesh Sharma, Vinay Sharma, Manglesh Sharma, Dharmavir Ved, Devendra Kumar, Suresh Kashmiri, Hemendra, Harish, Rajkumar, Himanshu Sharma, and others.
FAQ
What is the green tax proposed by Bharamour administration?
The Bharamour administration proposed an entry tax (green tax) for pilgrims during the Manimahesh Yatra, which the Brahmin Pratinidhi Sabha has opposed as against religious sentiments.
Why is the Brahmin Sabha opposing the green tax?
The Sabha believes the tax burdens pilgrims and hurts religious sentiments. They have sent a memorandum to the administration demanding reconsideration.
What other issues did the Sabha raise?
They demanded a hike in the monthly honorarium of temple bajantris and temporary staff from ₹1,500, and sought removal of encroachments and better parking near Shri Gauri Shankar Temple.