(a) whether a large number of pilgrims visit Kailash-Mansarovar every year;
(b) if so, whether Gujarati visitors constitute one-third of the yatris;
(c) if so, whether the Government propose to require the services of Gujarati knowing priests
for the yatris;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a): Approximately 450-500 Yatris visit Kailash Manasarovar every year.
(b): Selection procedure of Yatris is open and transparent. Public advertisements
inviting applications for the Yatra are issued. The selection of Yatris is done through a
computer generated random selection process.
(c) & (d): No priests are attached to any group. The Government deputes a serving Government
officer as a Liaison Officer with each batch of the Yatra.
(e): Does not arise.