Launched by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Chhattisgarh on 4th December 2012, the Tirth Barat Yojana provides government assistance for pilgrimage to designated sites outside the state. This scheme is specifically designed for senior citizens (60 years and above) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) who are residents of Chhattisgarh. It enables beneficiaries to visit one or more pilgrimage sites once in their lifetime. The scheme primarily targets those from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, including cardholders of the Antyodaya and Chief Minister Food Grain Schemes, while also covering eligible non-income taxpayers from urban and rural areas.
Benefits
- Pilgrimage Opportunity:
Eligible senior citizens and PwDs can visit one or more designated pilgrimage sites outside the state. - One-Time Assistance:
The financial assistance for pilgrimage is available once in a beneficiary’s lifetime. - Designated Pilgrimage Sites Include:
- Ujjain, Omkareshwar
- Puri, Bhubaneswar
- Haridwar, Rishikesh
- Mathura, Vrindavan
- Prayag, Kashi
- Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur, Trimbakeshwar
- Vaishno Devi, Jammu
- Amritsar, Golden Temple
- Tirupati, Madurai, Rameshwaram
- Ajmer Sharif, Fatehpur (Dargah of Chishti)
- Baba Baidyanath Dham
- Dakshineswar, Kalighat, Gangasagar
- Dwarka, Somnath, Nageshwar
- Sammed Shikharji
- Shravanabelagola
- Velankanni Church, Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu)
- Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Nalanda
- Kamakhya Temple, Navagraha Temple, Vashishtha Muni Ashram, Umananda Temple, Shivaji Temple, Shankar Dev Kala Kshetra (Guwahati)
- Sabari Mala, Guruvayur, Ettumanoor Temple
Eligibility
- Residency:
The applicant must be a native of Chhattisgarh. - Target Beneficiaries:
- Senior Citizens: Must be 60 years of age or older.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs): Must be 18 years of age or older and can include those with visual impairment, deaf-mute, hearing impairment, or locomotor disabilities.
- Prior Participation:
Applicants should not have previously traveled under this scheme. - Income Criteria:
- Applicants must not be income taxpayers.
- Approximately 80% of beneficiaries will be from the BPL category.
- Physical and Mental Fitness:
Applicants must be physically and mentally capable of traveling and free from infectious or severe chronic illnesses such as tuberculosis, severe cardiac or respiratory conditions, mental illness, leprosy, etc.
Group Travel and Additional Provisions
- Group Travel:
The journey will be conducted in groups as determined by the government. A pilgrimage trip will commence only when the minimum number of beneficiaries, as specified by the authority, is reached. - Companion/Assistant Rules:
- Only the selected individual is allowed to travel; additional persons are not permitted unless specified.
- If a disabled applicant’s spouse is selected, the spouse (life partner) may also travel provided the application includes their details.
- Groups of five or more disabled individuals may apply together as one application, and each disabled pilgrim must be accompanied by an assistant.
- Senior citizens above 65 years traveling alone can avail one assistant. In group applications, additional assistant provisions are applicable as per government rules.
- Additional Expenses:
Any extra facilities or expenses beyond the prescribed norms must be borne by the beneficiary. - Luggage and Conduct:
Beneficiaries must not carry inflammable or intoxicating substances, excessive jewelry, and should adhere to guidelines to maintain the dignity of the pilgrimage.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Submission of Application:
- Beneficiaries must submit their application forms in the prescribed format to their respective Gram Panchayat, District Panchayat, or the Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare of their district.
- Lottery System:
- Beneficiary selection will be conducted via a lottery system by the Collector.
- Special Provisions:
- If a disabled applicant’s spouse is selected, their application must be attached.
- Groups of disabled individuals (five or more) can apply as one application, with each disabled pilgrim accompanied by an assistant.
- For senior citizens over 65 traveling alone, provision is made for one assistant. In group applications, assistant eligibility is based on group size as specified.
- Envelope and Nominee Details:
- Applications must be sent in an envelope labeled “Application for a visit to the place under Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana Year —–” with the appropriate year.
- Applicants must also list two nominees with emergency contact details.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card of the applicant.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Identity proof.
- Domicile certificate of Chhattisgarh.
- Age proof.
- Residence proof (e.g., Ration card, Driving license, Electricity bill, Voter ID, or other government documents).
- Income proof.
- BPL Card or related documents (if applicable).
- Any other documents as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Native residents of Chhattisgarh who are either senior citizens (60+ years) or PwDs (18+ years) and are not income taxpayers. -
How many pilgrimage sites can beneficiaries visit?
Beneficiaries can visit one or more designated pilgrimage sites. -
What are some of the designated pilgrimage sites?
Sites include Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayag, Kashi, and many others as listed. -
Can beneficiaries travel with companions?
No; only the selected individual is allowed to travel. However, special provisions allow a spouse or an assistant in cases of disability or for senior citizens above 65. -
What if a disabled applicant’s spouse is selected?
The spouse may accompany the applicant if their application is submitted together. -
Can a group of disabled people apply together?
Yes, a group of disabled individuals (five or more) can apply as a single application, with each person accompanied by an assistant. -
Are assistants allowed for elderly or disabled pilgrims?
Yes, provisions allow for one assistant per eligible individual or per group, as specified by the guidelines. -
What are the restrictions regarding luggage and items during the trip?
Beneficiaries are not allowed to carry inflammable or intoxicating substances, jewelry, etc., and must adhere to guidelines to maintain the dignity of the pilgrimage. -
How are beneficiaries selected for the scheme?
Selection is done through a lottery system conducted by the Collector. -
Where should applicants submit their application forms?
Applications must be submitted at the Gram Panchayat, District Panchayat, or the Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare office in their district. -
Can groups apply for the pilgrimage?
Yes, groups of up to 25 applicants can apply as a single application. -
What if a beneficiary wants additional facilities during the journey?
Any additional facilities beyond the prescribed norms must be paid for by the beneficiary. -
Can elderly pilgrims take more than one assistant?
No; the guidelines specify the maximum number of assistants allowed per individual or group. -
How often can beneficiaries avail of the pilgrimage assistance?
The assistance is available once in a beneficiary’s lifetime.