Tirth Bharat Yojana was launched by the Social Welfare Department, Govt of Chhattisgarh on 4th December 2012. To make government assistance available, it is focused to Senior Citizens (60+ years) and Persons with Disabilities(PwDs) for visiting some particular pilgrimage sites outside the state. There is a scheme under which one can avail the chance of performing this pilgrimage in his/her lifetime when eligible
- Beneficiary Quota:
- 80% beneficiaries: Below Poverty Line (BPL), including Antyodaya and CM Food Grain Scheme cardholders.
- 20% beneficiaries: Non-BPL (not income taxpayers).
- Urban vs. Rural Quota: 25% urban and 75% rural beneficiaries.
Benefits
- Opportunity for senior citizens and PwDs to visit pilgrimage sites outside the state.
- Financial assistance for one pilgrimage trip in a lifetime.
List of Designated Pilgrimage Sites:
- Hindu Pilgrimages:
- Ujjain, Omkareshwar
- Haridwar, Rishikesh
- Mathura, Vrindavan
- Prayag, Kashi
- Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur, Trimbakeshwar
- Vaishno Devi, Jammu
- Tirupati, Madurai, Rameshwaram
- Dwarka, Somnath, Nageshwar
- Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
- Other Religious Pilgrimages:
- Amritsar (Golden Temple)
- Ajmer Sharif, Fatehpur (Dargah of Chishti)
- Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Sarnath
- Velankanni Church (Tamil Nadu)
- Sabari Mala, Guruvayur
Eligibility
- Residents of Chhattisgarh: The applicant must have a domicile certificate.
- Age Criteria:
- Senior citizens: 60 years or older.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs): 18 years or older.
- First-Time Benefit: The applicant should not have availed of this scheme earlier.
- Non-Income Taxpayer: Applicants must not pay income tax.
- Physically and Mentally Fit: The applicant must be able to undertake the pilgrimage.
- Exclusion of Infectious Diseases: Applicants suffering from diseases like tuberculosis, cardiac/respiratory issues, mental illness, or leprosy are not eligible.
Application Process
Offline Process:
- Application Submission:
- Applicants must submit their completed forms to the Gram Panchayat/District Panchayat/Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare of their district.
- Selection of Beneficiaries:
- Beneficiaries are selected via a lottery system conducted by the Collector.
- Spouse & Assistant Inclusion:
- If selected, a spouse under 60 years of age can accompany the applicant.
- Assistants can accompany PwDs or senior citizens above 65 years of age.
- Group Applications:
- A group (maximum 25 members) can apply together and will be treated as a single application.
Restrictions & Guidelines
- Travel Group Size:
- Pilgrimages are conducted in groups determined by the government.
- Prohibited Items:
- Pilgrims cannot carry inflammable or intoxicating substances.
- Jewelry and valuables are discouraged.
- Additional Expenses:
- Pilgrims must bear costs for facilities exceeding government norms.
- Behavior Guidelines:
- Pilgrims must maintain decorum during the journey and follow the instructions of the designated officer.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of residence (e.g., ration card, voter ID, electricity bill)
- Proof of age
- Income proof (if applicable)
- BPL Card (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (for PwDs)
- Nominee details (at least two with mobile numbers)
- Any additional documents as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the scheme?
Senior citizens (60 years & above) and PwDs (18 years & above) who are residents of Chhattisgarh and meet other criteria.
2. How many pilgrimage sites can beneficiaries visit?
Beneficiaries can visit one or more designated sites, depending on the group itinerary.
3. Can beneficiaries travel with companions?
Yes, a spouse or assistant can accompany eligible beneficiaries under specific conditions.
4. What if a disabled person’s spouse is selected?
The spouse can accompany the beneficiary, even if under 60 years of age.
5. Can groups apply for the pilgrimage?
Yes, groups of up to 25 individuals can apply together, with a group leader.
6. How are beneficiaries selected?
Selections are made through a lottery system conducted by the District Collector.
7. Are assistants allowed for elderly or disabled pilgrims?
Yes, assistants are allowed for PwDs and senior citizens aged above 65.
8. How often can beneficiaries avail of the scheme?
This scheme can be availed once in a lifetime.
9. Where should applicants submit their forms?
Forms should be submitted to the respective Gram Panchayat/District Panchayat/Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare.
Sources and References