Launched by the Department of Religious Trusts and Endowments, Government of Madhya Pradesh in June 2012, the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana provides one-time assistance to senior citizens of the state for pilgrimage journeys outside Madhya Pradesh. The scheme is intended for senior citizens—men aged 60 and above, and women aged 58 and above (with a 2-year relaxation for women)—who wish to visit designated pilgrimage sites such as Shri Badrinath, Shri Kedarnath, Shri Jagannath Puri, and many others. In addition, if a married couple wishes to travel together, a spouse who does not meet the age criterion may also accompany the eligible partner. Special provisions exist for disabled citizens (with a disability of more than 60%) and for group applications (up to 25 persons per group, with a group head as the main applicant).
Benefits
- Travel Arrangements:
The scheme facilitates free travel to selected pilgrimage sites through specially arranged train journeys. - On-Board Facilities:
- Complimentary breakfast, food, and pure drinking water.
- Arrangements for stay at pilgrimage places and bus travel where necessary.
- Managed by IRCTC:
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), contracted by the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department, manages the travel logistics. - Pilgrimage List:
Current pilgrimage sites include, but are not limited to, Shri Badrinath, Shri Kedarnath, Shri Jagannath Puri, Shri Dwarka Ji, Haridwar, Amarnath, Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Tirupati, Ajmer Sharif, Kashi, Amritsar, Rameshwaram, Sammed Shikhar, Shravan Belgola, and Belangi Church, Nagapattinam.
Eligibility
- Residency:
The applicant must be a native of Madhya Pradesh. - Age Criteria:
- Male Applicants: Must be 60 years or older.
- Female Applicants: Must be 58 years or older.
- Disabled Citizens: No age limit if disability is more than 60%.
- Marital Provision:
If one spouse is eligible, the other (even if below 60 years) may accompany. - Non-Taxpayer Status:
The applicant should not be an income taxpayer. - Prior Benefit:
Applicants must not have previously taken the benefit of the Teerth Darshan Yojana. - Health Requirement:
A mandatory medical certificate confirming that the applicant is physically and mentally fit for travel and is not suffering from any infectious disease (such as TB, congestive cardiac or respiratory conditions, coronary insufficiency, mental illness, or infectious leprosy) is required. - Group Applications:
Applications can be made as a group (maximum 25 persons), with the group head serving as the main applicant.
General Instructions for Pilgrims
- Emergency Contact:
Provide a mobile number and residential address for emergencies. - Conduct:
Pilgrims must maintain good conduct and adhere to instructions from the liaison officer, supervisor, or escort. - Baggage Restrictions:
Carrying inflammable substances, intoxicants, or valuable items (e.g., gems, jewelry) is prohibited. - Personal Items:
Passengers should bring weather-appropriate clothing, woolens, and personal necessities (blankets, towels, toiletries, medicines, etc.). - Identity Proof:
Carry an identity proof (Aadhaar Card or Voter ID). - COVID Protocol:
Compliance with COVID-19 protocols is mandatory. - Liability:
The state government or its officers are not responsible for accidents or difficulties during the journey.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Collect the Application Form:
- Visit the nearest Tahsil or Sub-Tahsil office, or download the form from the official website: https://dharmasva.mp.gov.in/.
- Fill the Form:
- Complete the application form in the prescribed proforma in two copies.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the completed forms along with all relevant documents at the nearest Tahsil or Sub-Tahsil office before the prescribed deadline.
- Selection Process:
- The Collector will sort applications by place and, if the number exceeds the allowed quota, a lottery will be conducted with an additional waiting list of 10% of the quota.
Notes:
- If pilgrims opt for any additional facility beyond those prescribed, they must pay for the extra services.
- Carrying prohibited items such as inflammable materials or jewelry is not allowed.
- The state government is not liable for any accident during the journey.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof:
Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card. - Residence Proof:
Ration card, driving license, electricity bill, or any other recognized document. - Photograph:
A colored passport-size photograph. - Disability Certificate:
(If applicable) as proof of disability. - Proof of Age:
Birth certificate or other valid age proof. - Medical Certificate:
A certificate stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit and not suffering from any infectious disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana scheme?
It is a scheme that provides one-time travel assistance to senior citizens of Madhya Pradesh to visit prescribed pilgrimage sites outside the state. - Which department has launched this scheme?
The scheme is launched by the Department of Religious Trusts and Endowments, Government of Madhya Pradesh. - When was this scheme launched?
The scheme was launched in June 2012. - Who is eligible for the scheme?
Native residents of Madhya Pradesh; male applicants aged 60 and above, female applicants aged 58 and above (with additional provisions for disabled citizens and accompanying spouses). - Is this scheme only for residents of Madhya Pradesh?
Yes, only natives of Madhya Pradesh are eligible. - What are the benefits of the scheme?
The scheme provides free travel (by special train, bus, etc.), food, stay, and other facilities at prescribed pilgrimage sites. - Which pilgrimage sites are covered?
Sites include, but are not limited to, Shri Badrinath, Shri Kedarnath, Shri Jagannath Puri, Haridwar, Amarnath, Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Tirupati, Ajmer Sharif, Kashi, Amritsar, Rameshwaram, Sammed Shikhar, Shravan Belgola, and Belangi Church, Nagapattinam. - What facilities are provided during the journey?
The journey includes travel by special train, food (breakfast, meals), pure drinking water, arrangements for stay, bus travel where necessary, and other support services. - What are the age criteria?
Male: 60 years or above; Female: 58 years or above; no age limit for disabled citizens with more than 60% disability. - How many times can an applicant avail the scheme?
The benefit is a one-time assistance in a lifetime. - Is a medical certificate mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory to provide a medical certificate confirming fitness and absence of infectious diseases. - How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
By collecting and submitting the application form offline from the nearest Tahsil or Sub-Tahsil office.