The CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board angry for being asked to remove shoes during chanting

Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya (in the circle)

Jammu – A video of Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, has surfaced online. He had attended the inauguration of an institution in Katra associated with Shri Vaishno Devi. The priests were chanting mantras. When they asked him to remove his shoes before proceeding with the inauguration, he appeared displeased and reacted angrily. He was heard saying, “This is why I avoid coming to such places.” His response upset those present, though no one reacted openly.

Outrage at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO’s conduct!

The CEO got enraged when asked to remove shoes during mantra chanting

Says "That’s why I do not come for performing rituals."

Removing footwear is a basic rule in Hindu Dharma during puja or mantras. How can an IAS… pic.twitter.com/F676wB9mdl

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 9, 2026

1.The incident has triggered strong reactions on social media. Many have demanded his immediate removal from the post of Chief Executive Officer, while others have described his behaviour as ‘arrogant.’

2.Critics have called it ironic that a person responsible for managing Shri Vaishno Devi to disregard basic religious traditions, saying it reflects the tendency to place official authority above faith.

3.Tandav Singh, a leader of the BJP Yuva Morcha, stated that such officers should be transferred immediately and replaced with someone who respects faith and tradition.

Editorial Perspective

• Removing footwear while mantras are being chanted or during puja (worship) is a fundamental practice in Hinduism. It is deeply concerning that an IAS officer unwilling to follow even this basic norm is entrusted with administration of one of India’s most important religious shrines.
• This incident raises serious question about the IAS administrative system, where this kind of training is imparted to the officers in the name of secularism.
• Would this officer dare to disregard the rules of a mosque in a similar manner ?