LAHORE, Aug 6: The income of the Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh shrine crossed Rs100 million mark following Rs8.7 million increase during 2003-4. The income from the offerings of devotees and rent of 300 shops attached to the shrine reached Rs100.76 million during 2003-4 against Rs98.91 million offered a year earlier.

The income from cash offerings made by the devotees was recorded at Rs79.23 million. Cash offerings are the major source of income of the shrine. The devotees drop cash in 39 boxes placed at different points at the Data Darbar complex.

The boxes are opened every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday by a committee and cash deposited with the shrine account after counting. A sum of Rs150,000 is donated every month for purchasing dowry for the girls of the poor parents. Household goods worth Rs5,000 are provided to every girl.

A committee headed by a lady legislator makes the purchases. A handicrafts school for girls being run at the complex for girls is provided a grant of Rs100,000 per annum.

Nearly 200 students are being imparted religious education at the Jamia Hajveria. At least Rs250,000 are spent every year on providing free meals to the poor in addition to the food distributed at the shrine by the devotees.