Observations / Comments /Suggestions of the OUTGOING SECRETARY of SOOD SABHA SHIMLA

At the very outset, I have to submit that although these long and tiring synopses are for the contemplation of NEW Secretary in particular and other members of the NEW Managing Committee in general, yet the new Governing Body is at liberty and well within its rights to REJECT all or any part of my statements, suggestions and submissions.

Because of some divine blessings, I was given a chance to serve my community and also to do some SEVA in SHIRI RAM MANDIR Temple. The opportunity came into my lap on 2nd of May 2003 when my other brothers and sisters commanded me to hold the reins of the secretary-ship for a period of two years.

Though my ventures had been to perform this job to the best of my ability during this span, yet I am not satisfied .I have a feeling that I could have done much more. My other teammates of the Managing Committee had been generous and kind to extend their co-operation beyond my expectations. I happen to very closely know all my predecessors. I think that I am the luckiest of all the secretaries so far because I happen, PERHAPS, to be the only one who, all throughout my tenure, enjoyed UNANIMOUSLY the maximum respect and love of my Managing Committee. Every member always and immediately backed me to the hilt and never questioned my decisions. Today when I pass on the baton to my successor, I leave behind a considerably long list of unattempted and unfinished jobs. I am fully confident that the new body, which has now been entrusted the management of Sabha, is going to perform with a better zeal and vigor than what we had been doing.

SOOD SABHA, SHIMLA is quite a huge and complicated body to manage. I am, hereunder, making an attempt to give my opinion on various aspects and issues linked with the administration of Sabha. My experience has been short and whatever I write in the foregoing paragraphs, it may be all trash. I once again repeat that the New Managing Committee is not bound to give it a consideration.

First of all I shall deal with the administrative part of different wings of Sood Sabha. To begin with I shall take up our DHARAMSHALA at Shimla.

I find that though there were times when the occupancy in our complex was almost hundred percent which after a gradual decline is now about forty to fifty percent. After examining and discussing with wiser people linked with our Managing Committee, I find that though the some of the blame is being put on slightly unhygienic conditions, I do not entirely agree with this observation. Otherwise, I am in full agreement that there is a vast scope and the need to improve these conditions and environment yet the prevailing hygienic situation is not that bad which could have a deterrent effect. Other reasons are also being given. One of the appealing reasons is the climbing distance between the location of our RECEPTION and rooms in BHARAT, MAHAVIR & JAANKI Blocks. I find that a visitor from plains, who these days shirks even a normal level walk, if made to climb the flight of staircases immediately after a long and tiring journey shall out rightly reject the idea of stay. Another reason being a mushroom growth of guest houses and cheap hotels in our vicinity where a visitor can enjoy more liberty and so called room service on same charges which we demand for stay in our complex. With a continuous rising cost index, we cannot afford to reduce our charges otherwise sustenance and maintenance may become a problem. Our staff and attendants are applying the final coating. They are absolutely indifferent to the visitors. I was shocked to find that the room attendants at times did not even bother to accompany the YATRIS to show the vacant rooms. The obvious reason could only be that the attitude of the staff is to indirectly discourage the YATRIS because the stay increases the workload of the staff. I must say that availability of staff in excess of requirement has resulted in lack of work culture. I hope that nobody shall object and mind if I very frankly submit that the members of the present outgoing Managing Committee had been lacking in enthusiasm to look after this wing or find ways to improve the state of affairs. Tastes are changing with times. I feel that an average visitor would prefer a room with attached bath/toilet. We have dispensed with the rooms for visitors in Bharat Block. Proposal to covert MAHAVIR block as DELUX rooms was afloat but it could not be implemented due to lack of time etc Lakashman & Janak Block can be kept as these are for utilization by those persons who cannot afford deluxe rooms. The only improvement needed is renovation of common toilets and bathrooms in Lakshman block. With the implementation of these programmes, I visualize some chances of improvement because with only two blocks to be managed for common men and one block with deluxe rooms (Entry and small reception from top bazaar gate), situation can be in better control. If the canteen is shifted to room No 16 from its present site, an added facility and attraction will be available to the visitors.
After dismantling of rooms and dormitories in BHARAT block, a vacant hall type of space has been carved out. The initial use of the Bharat block was for charitable public service. The need to change its face arose because it was hardly generating income from YATRIS. A new look has been given to it so that it can be used by the public either for social functions or alternatively it can also be put to commercial use by letting it out. The income generated by its commercial use can be better put to charitable cause. I am of the opinion that revenue likely to be generated by putting it to commercial use shall be much more than what the SABHA can get by allowing it for social functions. Commercial use shall also obviate staff problem. The Managing Committee may give it a serious thought. In the alternative, both options can be kept open. If it is observed that people do not find attraction for social engagements in this newly carved out space, one can always look for commercial indulgence.

STAFF assigned to look after the Dharamshala consists of three persons at counter and four room attendants. In the beginning of my term, there were four persons at counter and six attendants. When a comparison is made with similar institutions in Shimla as well as outside Shimla, I have found that lesser number of staff is providing better service. Despite our providing better financial as well as working facilities to staff, the result is most deplorable and irritating. With the computerized work, even one person is sufficient to look after the booking work in one shift whereas we have three persons. Thus one man is surplus. The logic of emergency absence of staff does not convince me because in such cases, the storekeeper who has hardly any busy schedule had been satisfactorily looking after the counter work. There had been so many occasions when out of these three persons, two had to be absent on leave, still the counter was satisfactorily managed with shifting of staff from stores. Work never suffered at any place. Room attendants have always been found to be crowding the counter cabin. I am of the opinion that highly excessive staff is simply spoiling the working system. My suggestion is that the job assignment of each and every staff member should be redefined and rotated. The staff should not be made to confine to a particular assignment. We have a supervisor. When I see him working, I, at times, feel that I do not know the definition of this word. An almost illiterate person who was initially a daily wage “Majdoor” was at one point of time made as a watch man of the Dharamshala gate and then a SUPERVISOR.He has no knowledge or grasp of civil works such as construction etc painting work, carpentry or any other job which he is supposed to be doing. He cannot even keep records etc and has to depend upon others. He is not agile or with a sharp memory. I do not even find him as a good “OBSERVER” on working labour or staff. Being a very old employee now, he cannot be fired. He should be assigned some other job of which he is capable and his job should be trusted to some more efficient and responsible person.

My next point for discussions is HALL & GALLERY: This wing had been generating a lot of revenue for our Sabha. With the increase in rates almost three times, it becomes our moral duty to provide a better service. I must appreciate that the previous Mg. Committee who floated the system of CASH additional security has taken a very wise step, which has worked wonders. My observations as well as unofficial enquiries from outsiders and other acquaintances gives me an impression that use of alcoholic beverages has been curbed to a great extent because of fear of confiscation of deposit as well as unpleasantness in function. (In the present set up of our society, the complete eradication of this social evil is almost impossible) If we improve conditions of beddings and linen etc, provide some more facilities like inverters, gas heaters for winter, a few fans on our pillars for summer and better chairs, people shall go back more satisfied and happy. Our staff & supervisor who look after this wing have to improve their working. Most of the time, they have been found to be sitting ideally in their stores instead of keeping an eye on caterers and the labour working during the functions. The persons who work in kitchen during the function and their labour have to be very strictly watched because they are the main culprits for damage and negligence. The most glaring and difficult problem is handing over a clean accommodation to the next in line after the function is over. Our staff for cleanliness is generally found short or absent when this job is required to be done. Some way has to be found so that there is never a cause for complaint on this score. A considerable amount has been spent on renovation of both the kitchens in Hall & Gallery. I had been repeatedly directing the staff as well as the regular caterers to be very particular about its maintenance and proper upkeep.
Element of carelessness always crops up. Our own staff has to be VERY STRICTLY WARNED that their carelessness to enforce proper upkeep of kitchen and equipment may result in a very strong and strict disciplinary action. The members too have to be very strict with the H & G staff as well as the users of the kitchen and must set a few precedents of exemplary punishment/disciplinary action in the event of carelessness in maintenance etc.



My next and MOST IMPORTANT point is with respect to Shri Ram Mandir. I would like to call it the nerve center of our BODY. Our predecessors when took charge of the ancient structure, an unspoken and unwritten commitment was made to THE LORD that the new temple to be built in place of old one would not only be a marvel, it would be looked after properly. It is most unfortunate to say that the desired results of proper management have never been achieved at any point of time. It would be most inappropriate to put blame on any member, whether of recent days or that at the time of inception but the fact remains that the temple staff for the last about ten years (Say after the time when that infamous incident of STRIKE) has become the master of its own whim and wishes. Instructions are sometimes ignored and at times, an attempt to defy the orders has been made collectively and clandestinely. I have come to the conclusion that there is a common feeling in whole Sood Sabha staff in general and temple staff in particular that since they are regular employees, no action can be taken against them for indiscipline, which may result in their termination from service. This notion has to be uprooted from their minds and brains of the staff. It is a well established fact that temple staff, being BRAHMINS and SEWAKS of Shri RAM MANDIR, enjoy a special status and respect not only amongst religious people of our BIRADRI (Especially ladies) but also before public of Shimla. (I wonder whether they really deserve it). There are number of instances that whenever a fault has been found against some staff of temple by the Members of The Mg. Committee, the employee has used the weapon of emotional and religious blackmail by influencing families and acquaintances of the members. I have a notion that when they are performing their religious tasks, they may have to be treated slightly differently but otherwise they should be treated and dealt with as any other employee. Although their duties and responsibilities were defined long time back, they just care a fig when they are caught in negligence.
Our temple also needs certain regular improvements as well as checks. The most shocking observation is regarding electricity consumption. Despite my best efforts and attempts I could not find reason and convincing explanations for such excessive bills of power consumption in summer as well as in winter .I am sure that some thing latent is definitely wrong. I shall request that this matter be thoroughly examined and reasons be found for this alarming consumption. The entry to the store where articles like dresses etc are stored needs to be changed. By blocking the present entry door from inside with heavy articles, new entry should be made from inside the temple office so that the control of this store is with the Mandir Sub-committee and not with the PUJARIS.I remember that when Shri Ram Mandir was inaugurated, this store was under direct custody and control of the members of Mandir Sub-Committee who took great pains in properly storing and looking after the articles. Presently, it resembles a dumping site. Even the room, which we call as library, should be put to some better use because the staff is misusing it. There is an other very important job, which should never be taken lightly. The counting of PARNAMI PAATRAS of temple should be done very regularly and at least once in a fortnight. This eases the disposal of coins and also eliminates chances of pilferage in addition to public criticism. This is the essential and one of the constitutionally defined parts of the duties of the Treasurer and he must perform it with involvement of members of Mandir-Sub- Committee. There is a Parnami Patra in front of the deity of Shri Baba Balak Nath Ji. As per religious belief, this collection should NOT be mixed with the temple money but should be donated to any other temple of Shri Baba Balak Nath Ji .We were passing over this money to Jakhu Temple of Shri Baba Balak Nath Ji. This procedure can continue or in the alternative amount can be sent to Shri Baba Balak Nath Trust at DIEUTSIDH. The counting of this Parnaami Patra can be done on occasional basis, say after every three months or so. The movable property of our temple such as pure gold leaved MUKATS, pure silver JALEHRI and other gold and silver articles has now been comprised of a considerable long list which has a huge value. After the residential quarters of the temple staff was shifted to BHARAT block, an apprehension of security risk has increased. My proposal to provide security arrangements was not seriously taken. I insist that this issue should not be ignored and steps be taken to safeguard the Mandir property.
Homeopathic Dispensary has always been treated as a wing attached to the temple though its entire control is with the SABHA. I feel that this wing is loosing its utility and we are running it simply for the sake of running a dispensary. There is no system in practice to have a proper check on its running as well as purchase and consumption of medicines. It was quite surprising to learn that a Homeopathic doctor and a dispenser are doing a part time job here with no check on them. The doctor has been found to be running his own homeopathic clinic. The service rules of our Sabha provide that no employee can undertake private work without prior permission of the Sabha. The official record shows that no such permission has been granted to Dr. Charu Datt. Even the members of Old Managing Committee advise that not even verbal permission has been granted to him at the time of his appointment or at later stage. Private clinic being run by Dr. Charu Datt is not in the interest of our Sabha. (Though I am not sure, I have a feeling that Dispenser; Mrs Rishi Verma is also assisting Dr. Charu Datt in his private clinic for some monitory gains) This matter should be sorted out. I would even go to the extent of suggesting that this wing, which hardly has any utility now should be closed and the space available should be put to a better service. The facts and figures being noted down on the register of patients visiting the dispensary should not be taken on the face value. For example, if a patient who, for a single ailment, visits the dispensary twelve times, his name in the register is also entered 12 times. It may be correct to do so procedurally but these entries do not show the exact number of patients who get treatment in a particular year.
I even moved a resolution to change the user of the dispensary but my companion members of the Managing Committee though did not reject my proposal or disagree with me, this matter was adjourned for giving it more serious and deep thought. This matter needs a review and thorough consideration.

It is not in the order of sequence but my next part of commentary is about EMPLOYEES OF SABHA. My general comments somewhere in the foregoing paragraphs had been to the effect that we have surplus staff without proper work culture. Barring a few, we have quite a good number of nice and needy persons but their capacity to work has not been reined and tamed. It is not their fault. The fault is with the employers i.e. the members of The Managing Committee: old as well as present. I shall now deal with employees of each and every wing.

1 Staff of temple: I have already given part of my opinion about them while discussing Shri Ram Mandir. Except for Shri Kuldip Pujari, all the staff was INITIALLY recruited between the year 1988 and 1990.Their duties had been very well defined when certain life members who were nominated to MANDIR Sub-Committee but were not the members of the Managing Committee were mainly looking after the mandir till 1996. At that time, the presence of the members of Mg. Committee in Mandir Sub Committee was notional and formal. Everybody knows that how high was the status of the temple and discipline prevailing during those days. With times, when the old members started yielding place to new persons in the Managing Committee, this staff started taking wrong advantage of new novice persons by hiding true pictures and misguiding them about their duties and work. Unfortunately, two of those old members are in heaven now but what were the assigned tasks and controls of those days can be ascertained from Shri Prince Mohan, who was also one of the nominated and active members of that committee. Pujaris are not performing pooja as per VIDHAAN because no body checks them. Even at AARTI times, they have been found absent. The cleanliness in various sanctums, where only Pojaris can enter, is not proper. The temple staff has been found to be extremely disobedient and arrogant at occasions. The complaints against them by two soft hearted lady members of the Managing Committee was brought to the notice after much delay, otherwise, who knows, one or two of them would have met the same fate as an undisciplined chap like SHIV SHANKER. One sevadar, Sh Ravi Dutt and Pujari Shri Kuldip Sharma need strictly to be watched. Both of them have been given many verbal as well as written warnings for dereliction of duties. Ravi Datt is the work-shirker of the first water and Kuldip has been found to be extremely careless and disobedient. His integrity is also questionable. I realized late in the day and could not do it myself, but the job of procurement and issue of provisions and parshad etc should be assigned to some one else and a better system under strict control of the members should be put in place. Our temple staff enjoys much better facilities and emoluments as compared to staff of similar institutions. Laxity should not be tolerated and members should come with heavy hands, if any one is found wanting in his assignments and duties. Members have to watch all of them very closely and should be absolutely uncompromising with them if they are at fault. Sabha has had enough of their religious and emotional blackmail.


2 Staff (Class 3) employed at DHARAMSHALA, HALL & GALLERY & CENTRAL STORE. A task force of six persons is handling these wings. All of them have been found to be reasonably well versed with the tasks, which they are performing, but totally lack initiative to perform upto their capabilities because no one motivates them. By a very simple act of changing the duty timings of central storekeeper, who has hardly any work in CENTRAL STORE, and assigning him with additional day duty as a storekeeper of Hall & Gallery, one person of staff from this wing can be spared for some other use. We have three persons for Dharamshala counter. When I joined, there were four clerks but one left within two-three months to enjoy a better job prospect. Three persons have done the same job more efficiently than what four were doing. I repeat that they are capable of doing more work without any fuss because they have enough time. The members responsible for looking after Dharamshala and Hall & Gallery have to be more encouraging, demanding and assertive. The counter staff avoids watching the cleanliness in blocks and rooms and shifts this responsibility to room attendants. This evil practice has to be curbed. Only occasional relaxation in this job can be tolerated when there is only one clerk on duty and there is also rush of work otherwise there is no reason that why these employees cannot have a round of the blocks to cross check the work of room attendants.

3 Room attendants. These four attendants are “ENJOYING” their work because it is not much. This strength is sufficient and reasonable. Even their reduced number, which was brought down from six to four, provides them sufficient time to bask in the sun or gossip with the counter staff after completing the FORMALITY of performing their routine duty of checking the rooms and blocks. During the night shift when this staff is supposed to be more vigilant about the activities inside the rooms, they have been found to be relaxing at counters or sleeping in the retiring room of the staff. I quote an example of their indifferent attitude. Although it was an admitted fact of providing room service by the licensees, the staff has never bothered to report this violation. This staff needs to be pulled up and be made to work more responsibly.

4 Office /Sood Sabha Staff. I will make my observations about them individually.

Sh. N N Sharma: He is very polite, efficient and responsible Adminstrator in our Sabha. When I took over, I had my reservations about him because of the remunerations but have no regrets now about the amount he is being paid. I have observed that there is some absolutely superfluous and unnecessary paper work, which he has to do. If this work is curtailed, his services can be put to much better practical job. I have observed one drawback in him. He has twice or thrice very frankly and honestly admitted that having remained in Government service throughout his life, he has a tendency to be pro-employee. He should be molded to be impartial and should watch Sabha’s interest, vis-à-vis employees as a matter of principle.

Sh. Tek Singh: He was initially appointed as a typist clerk. He is very hard working, honest and a person always willing to learn. When the present Managing Committee took over in the year 2003,the Accounts sub Committee observed that the system of accounting needed vast changes for availability of accounting information and requirements of audit and taxation etc. He learnt and adopted these changes very quickly. He has become now very well versed with the basics and if there is a proper guidance like the present one he got from Vijay Bhagra, treasurer and Sh. Rakesh Sood (both members of Account Sub Committee), he can still learn a lot to be a perfect Accountant. One thing, which I have liked most about him, is that he is very punctual and responsible towards his duty.

Sh. Sher Singh, plumber: He is the oldest employee of Sabha. He is a person who holds and knows about many “turn keys.” Only he knows some of the secrets and the knowledge about fittings and fixtures. He is not getting any younger. Endeavor should be made to train some other person in his footsteps before he attains age of superannuation. Our seniors have given us a good asset in him.

Sh. Jai Chand. His designation is that of SUPERVISOR.I have already discussed and made a few remarks about him and repeat that he is a liability which can not be discharged and a burden which has to be carried because of his long association with our Sabha. Either the nomenclature of his designation should be suitably altered or he should be made to discharge some other duties of which he may be found to be capable. Presently he is being gifted a “pension” before its due date.

Dr. Charu Datt & Mrs. Rishi Verma : I am not in a position to comment upon their professional competence but I have my own objections and reservations about the system under which they are working for Sabha. If it is finally decided to continue with the running of our dispensary, a proper system of checks and balances should be adopted. The issue of their working privately without prior permission from the Managing Committee should also be resolved because the running of a private clinic by the employee of Sabha is not proper. Dr. Charu Dutt is polite as well as smart person. Mrs. Rishi Verma seems to be a lady with a lot of self-confidence.

Mrs. Meena Verma: I was made to understand that her appointment in the office had been made as a typist clerk. She admits that she is not a typist. Except for a few minor occasions, she has not given any cause for complaints about other jobs she is performing. I find her to be a sober lady and always deeply engrossed when she is working. My suggestions to her about improving her typing had no serious effect on her. In our office set up, there are long spans of time when she is without work. She should be assigned some additional petty works so that the load of the administrator is decreased and the time so saved by him is utilized for a better purpose.

Sh Roshan Lal, Peon: A very poor chap and perhaps in maximum need of job. He is very well versed with his work. He has a draw back. He speaks at times when he is supposed to keep quiet and pose ignorance. He is likely to hurt his nose very badly because at times he pokes it unnecessarily and too much. Though he has irritated some members with his utterances, I do not know myself as to how he has been able to win my sympathy. Some margin should be given to him because of his wretched financial circumstances.

I have already expressed my views that we have ample staff everywhere and need no new appointments. If at all a feeling crops up for new help, it should only be on contractual basis like we have our SAFAI contractor. I think every one shall endorse my views that in case of negligence or non- performance or any other objectionable and unpleasant reason, it is easier to terminate a contract without subsequent and running claims than to terminate the services of a regular employee.

My next and of UTMOST importance aspect for consideration is that of the TENANTS of Sood Sabha, Shimla. This group is a class by itself. Barring a few, quite a number of them feel disturbed whenever a legitimate demand for rent is made from them. Some of them even have a feeling that they are obliging the Sabha by occupying these shops. I am by no means trying to seek credits or pats on our back but I, myself, still do not know as to how the efforts of our Hon’ble President, Sh. Ramesh Bhagra and my continuous demands bore fruits and we were successful in effecting the recovery of arrears of rent. I have only a few suggestions to project on this subject. We have been and should continue to be good LAND LORDS and should expect a reciprocal attitude. Tenant should not expect or be given concessions in rent or its timely payment. For any belated payment of rent, the statutory provision of the right to charge interest should be very strictly enforced. I may add and make it very clear that laxity on Sabha’s part in collection of rent is bound to result in huge accumulation of arrears, which may become difficult to recover. The tenancy of every party stands determined, defined and clarified in our records. Before signing the receipts for amount received, the signing authority (Whether Secretary or Treasurer) should be very cautious and should check the correct entries of names, amounts and periods etc. The office should insist on obtaining signature of the tenant on the reverse of the duplicate copy. This would stand as a proof of the tenant having received the receipt issued by the Sabha. The Accounts clerk has been given suitable instructions on this subject.

Next topic on my list is STIPENDS & FINANCIAL AID. When the new Managing Committee took over, it immediately dispensed with the criteria of sanctions on the basis of recommendations of PRADHANS of Gram Panchayats. The stipend Sub-committee preferred the recommendations either from the members of The Managing committee or from responsible citizens, preferably from own biradari. Efforts were also made to check the genuineness of the applications, secretly, through local influential and impartial persons in many cases. This procedure cannot be one hundred percent fool proof but was the best, which could have been adopted under the circumstances. The wisdom of new members can be applied to improve this system. Though I am not very much familiar with the entire procedure, the Trust running Sood Dharamshala at Chandigarh has also a very appealing system to distribute stipends. A fixed amount is first earmarked for distribution as aid. The amount is then allocated to each and every trustee who forwards recommendations on his/her own responsibility about genuineness of the deserving applicants on or before a specified date. The trust then orders the distribution of the amount after scrutiny of these applications. The details can be sought from Sh. Rakesh Sood and Sh. Vijay Kuthiala who happen to be trustees of Chandigarh Dharamshala. If it suits our circumstances, it can be applied on trial basis in our Sabha also.

ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION: A subject, which falls in the domain of the Sabha treasurer. It is also my duty to point out that any carelessness in this work shall have far reaching effects, which may be damaging to our Sabha. The past experience reveals that Sabha had a sort of blind faith in old accountant. Our system of accounting was supposed to be mercantile which he never adopted. Our old auditors too were not very keen to get the system changed. It should be made sure that the auditors make a periodical check of the entries so that a visual as well as systematic control is always firm and in place. Heretofore, there was no record worth its name in our own office with respect to assessment and correspondence etc of income tax. I have issued instruction that a parallel record of all the documents, correspondence, notices or any other piece of information should be maintained in Sabha office as a matter of precaution as well as for ready reference. Even if a paper may seem to be trivial or of no importance it should be preserved. Separate files for each assessment year should be made in two volumes. One volume should contain account statements; balance sheets etc and the other should contain correspondence, notices, replies etc. It should be the duty of the office to collect a copy of the document, which our auditors may receive or file on our behalf.
I have also instructed the ADMINSTRATOR to maintain parallel files of all the legal proceedings, which are going on or may have to be initiated or defended in future. Files should be updated by periodical comparing of the records available with us with that of the files of our counsel as well as that of our auditors.

There are some binding resolutions and decisions: During our tenure as well as prior to our involvement, some decisions have been taken, which are binding in nature and have to be strictly followed and implemented. Although most of the members are aware of these decisions, it is my duty to point these out and bring the same to the knowledge of my successor. I reproduce the out line hereunder :-

i) A very nominal part of interest income accruing on FDR’s lying in Bank Of India, Shimla, which were received as a donation has to be every year sent to BABA KALI KAMLI WALA. A file is in our office, which contains the directions of the donors as well as my note. This may please be followed regularly. I have also given specific directions to the accountant in this matter.

ii) It has been resolved to hold a free medical cum blood donation camp in our complex every year on 2nd of October. For this year, the accommodation in Hall & Gallery stands blocked on required dates.

iii). An endowment account has been opened in our Sabha. The interest income of the deposits of this amount is to be donated for educational purposes in addition to the stipends being sent. A sub committee comprising of President, Secretary, Treasurer and two life members stands constituted. The instructions of the donors and the decisions in this matter have also to be followed. The donors to this fund have donated running trophies and the same must be presented to the winners of the events by holding sports and cultural meets. Accommodation in our complex has been blocked during September, 2005.

iv) Donation received from Smt Sushila Devi, is lying in shape of a deposit in State Bank Of Patiala, Solan. As per the instructions received, the Sabha has been authorized to utilize the interest income for the purpose of education only. Strict instructions of the donor have to be followed in this matter. Sabha on its own part also donated a trophy in memory of Smt. Sushila Devi, which too has to be given to a brilliant student. It is my suggestion that when the deposit in Solan falls due for renewal, it should be got transferred to Shimla.



LIST OF PENDING WORKS: There can be no two different opinions that a lot still remains to be done. I, according to my own mind, am hereby suggesting below a list, which the Hon’ble members may consider and if found suitable may set priorities to do these works.

a) Terrace on the market has been covered with G I Sheets. The space should be put to a suitable purpose.

b) There is a huge stock of red stone with Sabha. The work to lay these stones on the road in front of the temple gate as well as Dharamshala gate should be undertaken. Shiri Sohan Lal, Mayor and the Commissioner, Sh. Mohan Chauhan have promised full cooperation in this matter. Assistance from the area councilor as well as Sh. Ashok Sood, councilor can also be taken.

c) CANTEEN can be shifted to Lakshman Block to provide better facilities to visitors.

d) TOILETS and BATHROOMS of Lakshman Block are in very bad shape. After dismantling these, a new lay out should be made before rebuilding the same.

e) Possibility to convert the rooms of MAHAVIR BLOCK into deluxe rooms should be explored and the work should be undertaken. Providing of entry and a mini reception from Bazaar side is likely to attract tourists and visitors.

f) Behind the rolling shutters adjacent to Dharamshala gate, a space had been carved to provide STD booth. This plan was shelved because of sudden seepage of water from the plastered retaining walls. The source to block this seepage could not immediately be traced. After the relaying of toilets in Hall & gallery as well as the removal of blockade and repair of corporation manholes, no seepage has occurred despite this heavy and rainy winter. After observing the situation during the next rainy season, the place should be utilized for the purpose for which it has been made.

g) One of the most important jobs is management of DHARAMSHALA AT HARDWAR. In order to avoid unnecessary controversy, I would not like to make any comments on the attitude of the members who had been assigned the duty to look after this property. Admittedly, nobody went there even once. I am willing to share a part of the blame but deny its entire attribution to me. I had been doing whatever I could while sitting in Shimla. The Managing Committee was being informed about each and every development. A “denovo” assessment of the situation prevailing there should be made and suitable planning and action should be taken.