A visit to Sita Temple over a 12-day long trip, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Government through the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department, is an opportunity to reach the pilgrimage site for citizens of Madhya Pradesh. The majority of these pilgrims like to visit Ashoka Vatika and Sita Temple in Sri Lanka and Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia. The religious department will provide assistance through finance to the deserving to enable them into the Indian Spiritual and Cultural Heritage Study Tour.
Details of the Scheme
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- Objective: To provide financial aid to pilgrims traveling to Sri Lanka and Cambodia for religious purposes.
- Key Locations Covered:
- Sita Temple and Ashoka Vatika in Sri Lanka
- Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia
- Financial Support: Reimbursement of 50% of travel expenses (up to ₹30,000/-).
Benefits
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- Eligible pilgrims receive reimbursement for their pilgrimage expenses.
- Covers travel to globally recognized spiritual destinations such as the Sita Temple and Angkor Wat.
- Promotes cultural and spiritual heritage among the citizens of Madhya Pradesh.
Eligibility Criteria
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- Native Status: Applicants must be permanent residents of Madhya Pradesh.
- Pilgrimage Completion: The applicant should have completed visits to:
- Sita Temple & Ashoka Vatika in Sri Lanka.
- Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.
- Income Status: The applicant must not be an income taxpayer.
- Lifetime Benefit: Assistance can be availed only once in a lifetime.
Application Process
Offline Mode:
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- Obtain the prescribed application form from the District Collector’s office.
- Submit the form along with required documents within 60 days of completing the pilgrimage.
- The District Collector will verify the records, and the approved grant amount will be disbursed directly to the applicant’s bank account.
Required Documents
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- Passport-size photograph.
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card).
- Domicile certificate of Madhya Pradesh.
- Photocopy of Passport.
- Receipts/documents showing expenditure on the pilgrimage.
- Certificate of pilgrimage completion for:
- Sita Temple & Ashoka Vatika (Sri Lanka).
- Angkor Wat Temple (Cambodia).
- Bank passbook or account details.
- Any additional documents as required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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- Who is eligible for this Financial Aid Program?
Only the citizens of Madhya Pradesh who fulfill certain criteria are given permission to apply, otherwise, taxpaying candidates are rejected. - How much of the travel expense will I be funded for under this Program?
Up to 50 per cent of the pilgrims’ travel expenses can be covered, but the loan sum itself is up to ₹30,000. - How to apply for the particular Program financial aid?
One has to physically reach the District Collector’s office with the application form and all necessary attachments. - If I am a taxpayer, do I still qualify for financial aid?
No; only citizens of Madhya Pradesh, that also do not pay taxes, qualify for the program. - After my journey is over, how long do I have to apply for financial aid?
An application may be submitted within 60 days of termination of travel. - How does the financial assistance get dispersed?
The money normally gets reimbursed back into the applicant’s personal savings account, subject to confirmation. - Can I also get aid for other temples not listed?
The program works only for the selected temples in Cambodia and Sri Lanka. - Do you cap the frequency of claims that can be made on this program?
The scheme is applicable only once in the lifetime of an eligible pilgrim. - In case I am a resident of Madhya Pradesh but not a national, could I claim as well?
There is a big chance if you are in possession of a residence certificate in Madhya Pradesh.
- Who is eligible for this Financial Aid Program?
Sources and References
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- Guidelines: Official scheme details and requirements.
- Official Website: Religious Trusts and Endowments Department, MP.
- Application Form: Download Here.