Free Pilgrimage For Elderly: Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Sarkari Yojana

Tirth Yatra is one of the sacred travel of the lifetime. People from all places, ages, and genders visit these holy places for peace of mind and soul. For a Hindu, tirth yatra is the highest form of attainment one can achieve spiritually. On that note, the state government scheme from the Odisha government has taken the benefit of their citizen up a notch by introducing the Baristha Nagarika Tirth Yatra Yojana. Interested, then let’s learn about this govt scheme in detail.

Key Highlights

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What Is Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?

The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) was launched by the Odisha Government on February 1, 2016. The Sarkari Yojana was introduced to help elderly people aged 60-75 years fulfil their lifelong dream of visiting holy places all across India. The government provides financial support and travel arrangements with the help of the IRCTC partnership for these pilgrimages. The government scheme is available to poor senior citizens in Odisha. Let’s understand about BNTYY in detail.

Benefits

Let’s take a look at the benefits offered to pilgrims in Odisha with the help of the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme.

• The district administration will arrange transportation for pilgrims and their attendants from home or district Headquarters to the starting railway station and back.

• Pilgrims arriving the day before departure will have food and stay arranged by the district administration at the starting point.

• Meals will be provided.

• Pilgrims will get breakfast between 8-9 AM, lunch between 12-2 PM, tea and biscuits between 4-5 PM, and dinner between 7-9 PM.

• Breakfast options include Upama with Dalma and Puri with Veg. Mix Curry, or Idlee with Sambar, along with tea and water.

• Lunch will include vegetarian meals with rice or roti, dal, one curry, and one veg. fry, and water.

• Tea with biscuits will be served in the evening.

• Dinner will include vegetarian meals with rice or roti, dal, and veg. curry, and water.

• IRCTC will provide a travel kit containing essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, coconut oil, shampoo, soap, bedsheet, blanket, cap, towel, hand napkin, comb, mirror, identity card, and a bag with the Odisha Tourism logo.

• If pilgrims want extra services not covered by the government, they must pay for them themselves. The Tourism Department and IRCTC are not responsible for extra services.

Eligibility Criteria For Senior Citizens

The following eligibility criteria have to be met by pilgrims to apply for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana. Make sure you fulfil all the requirements.

• Applicants must be between 60 and 75 years old.

• If applying as a married couple, one spouse can be younger than 60.

• Applicants must be residents of Odisha.

• Applicants must be physically fit for the journey and free from contagious diseases.

• Applicants over 70 years old can bring an attendant. The attendant must apply jointly and pay 50% of the travel cost.

• The attendant must be at least 18 years old.

• Applicants can only benefit from the pilgrimage once in their lifetime.

• Applicants must have proof such as an Antyodaya or Annapurna card, NFSA Ration Card, Widow Pension, Old Age Pension, MGNREGS Job Card, or any other document showing weak economic status or deprivation.

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What Is The Responsibility Of The Selected Pilgrims?

Pilgrims must ensure that they follow proper rules and regulations during the Yatra. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities.

• Pilgrims must avoid wearing jewellery.

• Pilgrims must be fit for the journey and free from contagious diseases.

• Pilgrims must acknowledge they are travelling at their own risk, and the state government is not responsible for any unforeseen incidents.

• Pilgrims should follow the scheduled program and site visits without any deviation.

• Pilgrims must follow the instructions given by IRCTC officials throughout the journey.

• Pilgrims are expected to maintain good behaviour with the other travellers and IRCTC officials.

Application Process

Pilgrims who meet the eligibility criteria can follow these steps to apply for the government scheme. This Sarkari Yojana can be applied through online and offline process both.

Offline Application Process

The following steps can be followed to apply offline.

Step 1: Application forms will be available at the District Collectorate, Block, Tehsil, Gram Panchayat Offices, District Tourist Offices, and at the official government website.

Step 2: Fill out the application form with the necessary details and in the prescribed format - Odia or English or Annexure-I & II.

Step 3: Attach the necessary documents.

Step 4: Completed applications must be sent to the concerned District Collectorate, District Tourist Officer, or designated authority within the time frame set by the Tourism Department.

Online Application Process

These steps can be followed to apply online for this state government scheme.

Step 1: Visit the official Odisha government website.


Step 2: Select the “BNTYY” scheme and click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 3: New applicants must ‘Sign Up’ and complete the registration process.

Step 4: After registering, ‘Login’ using your mobile number and OTP.

Step 5: Fill out the application form with the necessary details.

Step 6: Attach the required documents.

Step 7: Submit the completed form.

What Is The Selection Process?

The selection process for this state government scheme is as follows:

1. Applications will be sent to the District Tourist Office for district-wise code and registration number assignment.

2. Each application will receive a district-wise code and registration number at the District Tourist Office.

3. Joint applications will receive one registration number.

4. Valid applications will be forwarded as scanned copies to the Collector's office through the District Tourist Officer.

5. If the number of applicants exceeds the district quota, the District Level Selection Committee will select pilgrims with the help of a random number generator or lottery.

6. The committee will also select 20% extra applicants as waitlisted in case the number of people is less.

7. The selected list of pilgrims will be announced in the District Headquarters, Tourist Office, and Block Offices.

8. A soft copy of the selected and waitlisted applicants will be sent to the Department of Tourism before the train journey begins.

9. District Collectors will receive contingency funds to cover expenses like document scanning, travel, stationery, office assistance, and related costs.

10. If a selected applicant decides not to travel, they must inform the District Collector, Tourist Officer, or Tourism Department at least seven days before the journey begins.

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Documents Required

The following documents have to be submitted along with the application form. So make sure you have all of the documents ready before proceeding towards application form to avoid any hassle.

• Passport-size photograph.

• Aadhaar card.

• Proof of age.

• Residence proof.

• Antyodaya or Annapurna card/NFSA Ration Card/Widow Pension or Old Age Pension/MGNREGS Job Card/Documents showing weak economic status or deprivation as per Panchayati Raj Department criteria.

Conclusion

Travelling to sacred and religious places can be costly and scary for elderly pilgrims. The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana will help the pilgrims financially and provide travel arrangements. This Sarkari Yojana not only helps them fulfil their spiritual dreams but also promotes greater awareness of India's rich cultural heritage among the elderly.

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Government Sources

Official Website
Contact Information
Application Process