Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana 2025 (BNTYY) was launched by the Department of Tourism,Govt of Odisha on 1st February 2016. A scheme along IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) to provide the senior citizen an ease in visiting pilgrimage centers all over India by mixing government assistance.
It primarily caters to economically backward senior citizens who are in the age bracket of 60-75 to enable them realise spiritual desires.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Supports senior citizens in achieving their lifelong dream of undertaking a pilgrimage.
- Inclusive of All Faiths: The scheme is available to individuals of all religions and regions.
- Comprehensive Support:
- Transportation to and from boarding points.
- Food and accommodation arrangements during the journey.
- Medical facilities, travel insurance, and professional tour escorts.
- Travel Kit: Includes essential items like toiletries, bedding, towels, and a branded bag with the Odisha Tourism logo.
- Affordable for Attendants: Senior citizens above 70 years can bring an attendant (age 18+), who needs to pay only 50% of the travel cost.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Applicants must be 60-75 years old (spouses in joint applications are exempt from the minimum age limit).
- Residence: Must be a domicile of Odisha.
- Economic Status: Applicants should possess one of the following:
- Antyodaya or Annapurna Card
- Ration Card under NFSA
- Widow or Old Age Pension proof
- MGNREGS Job Card
- Any document reflecting weak economic status or deprivation.
- Fitness: Applicants must be medically fit for the journey and free from communicable diseases.
- Lifetime Limit: Pilgrims can avail of this scheme only once in their lifetime.
Facilities for Pilgrims
- Transport: Arranged from the district HQ to the railway station or directly from home.
- Meals: Vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner) and drinking water throughout the journey.
- Accommodation: Comfortable stay at nearby destinations.
- Additional Amenities: Travel insurance, tour guides, and medical assistance.
Responsibility of Pilgrims
- Undertakings: Pilgrims must confirm their fitness and willingness to undertake the journey at their own risk.
- Behavior: Pilgrims must adhere to instructions from IRCTC officials and maintain good conduct.
- Safety: Avoid wearing jewelry and remain with the group at all times.
Application Process
Offline:
- Notification: The Tourism Department advertises the scheme in print, electronic media, and local government offices.
- Form Availability: Application forms are accessible at District Collectorates, Block Offices, Tehsil Offices, Gram Panchayat Offices, and online at www.odishatourism.gov.in.
- Submission: Applicants must complete the form (in Odia/English) and submit it to the District Collector or designated authority within the deadline.
- Required Documents:
- Identity, address, and eligibility proof.
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Emergency contact details.
- Blood group and two passport-sized photos.
- Bank draft (if applicable).
Selection Process
- Registration: Applications are registered with district-wise codes and numbers at the District Tourist Office.
- Scrutiny: A district-level cell reviews the applications, and valid ones are forwarded to the District Collector.
- Selection:
- If applications exceed the quota, a lottery system or random number generator is used.
- District quotas are distributed equitably among blocks and municipalities.
- Waitlist: 20% extra candidates are selected as backups to cover cancellations.
- Publication: Final and waitlist selections are displayed in district, block, and tourist offices.
Key Notes for Applicants
- Cancellations: Inform authorities at least 7 days before the journey if unable to travel. Late notifications may lead to disqualification from future journeys.
- Contingency Funds: Provided to District Collectors for administrative expenses.
- Adjustments for Shortfall: Unfilled quotas are reallocated based on department directives.
- Forms are distributed via District Collector offices, Tehsils, Gram Panchayats, and block offices.
Online:
- Visit the official website: Odisha Tourism – Pilgrimage Portal.
- Sign up as a new user and complete the registration process.
- Log in using a mobile number and OTP.
- Fill out the application form with all mandatory details and upload the required documents.
- Submit the form online.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph.
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card).
- Proof of age.
- Residence proof.
- Supporting documents for economic status (e.g., Antyodaya card, Ration card, Widow Pension, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary objective of this scheme?
To provide financially weaker senior citizens with an opportunity to undertake a government-assisted pilgrimage.
Q2: Who is eligible for the scheme?
Senior citizens aged 60-75 years, domiciles of Odisha, meeting economic criteria, and medically fit for the journey.
Q3: Can attendants join the journey?
Yes, senior citizens above 70 years can be accompanied by an attendant (18+ years), who must pay 50% of the travel cost.
Q4: How often can one avail of this scheme?
A senior citizen can avail of this benefit only once in their lifetime.
Q5: How can I apply for the scheme online?
Visit Odisha Tourism’s official website, register, and complete the application process.
Gosalapada sahadavekhunta Baleshwar Odisha 756001