The Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, introduced by the Government of Haryana under the Directorate of Information, Public Relations & Languages, offers senior citizens the opportunity to visit religious destinations across India. This initiative aims to assist members of economically weaker families in fulfilling their pilgrimage dreams by covering all travel-related expenses, including rail and local transport.
Popular destinations under this scheme include Ayodhya, Varanasi, Nanded Sahib, Patna Sahib, Ajmer Sharif, and other sacred places.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Travel Expenses Covered:
- Government bears 3rd-tier AC rail travel costs for round trips to designated religious destinations.
- Local transport costs from the applicant’s residence to the starting train station are reimbursed.
- Support for Applicants Over 80 Years Old:
- Applicants aged 80+ can bring an attendant by paying 50% of the railway ticket fare.
- Comfort and Accessibility:
- The scheme ensures that logistical constraints do not hinder senior citizens from embarking on the pilgrimage.
- Additional Destinations Covered:
- Pilgrimage spots such as Nanded Sahib, Patna Sahib, Ajmer Sharif, and other prominent sites in India.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a bonafide resident of Haryana.
- Age Requirement:
- Applicants must be aged 60 years or older (as of January 1 of the application year).
- Spouse age relaxation: Accompanying spouses are eligible regardless of age.
- Income Limit:
- Family income must not exceed ₹1,80,000 per annum, verified through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP ID).
- Frequency:
- Benefits can be availed once every three years.
- PPP ID:
- Applicants and attendants must possess a valid Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP ID).
Under the Chief Minister’s Tirtha Darshan Yojana, devotees will now be able to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela and take a holy bath. The government had decided to extend the Chief Minister’s Tirtha Darshan Yojana on January 16 for the convenience of senior citizens to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela and take part in the holy bath.
Application Process
The application process is conducted online via the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal.
Steps to Register and Apply:
- Registration:
- Visit the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal.
- Click “New User” and fill in details like Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Password, and State.
- Verify your mobile number and email using the OTP received.
- Login:
- Log in using your registered email ID and password.
- Apply for the Scheme:
- After logging in, click “Apply for Services” and then “View All Available Services”.
- Search for the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana scheme and select it.
- Enter your PPP ID (Family ID) and fetch family data.
- Select the beneficiary name and verify details through OTP.
- Submit the Application:
- Fill in the required details, upload mandatory documents, and preview the form.
- Click Submit to complete the application.
- Track Application:
- Applicants can track their application on the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal using their Department Name, Scheme Name, and Application Reference ID.
Documents Required
- Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP ID)
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Age
- Proof of Income
- Any other documents as specified during the application process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which destinations are covered under this scheme?
- The scheme covers Ayodhya, Varanasi, Nanded Sahib, Patna Sahib, Ajmer Sharif, and other prominent religious destinations in India.
- What expenses does the government bear?
- The government covers 3rd AC train travel costs (to and fro) and reimburses local transport expenses to the starting station.
- Who is eligible for the scheme?
- Residents of Haryana aged 60 years or older with a family income under ₹1.80 lakhs per annum.
- Is there an age relaxation for the accompanying spouse?
- Yes, there is no age restriction for the accompanying spouse.
- Can the applicant take an attendant along?
- Yes, applicants aged 80+ can bring an attendant by paying 50% of the railway fare.
- How often can an applicant avail of the scheme?
- Once every three years.
- What is the procedure to apply for this scheme?
- Applications can be submitted online via the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal.
- Is there a reimbursement process for local transportation costs?
- Yes, local transport costs are reimbursed after the journey is completed.
- How is family income verified for this scheme?
- Family income is verified through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP ID).