Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana: Free Pilgrimage for Senior Citizens Over 60 in Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an initiative called the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana aimed at providing free pilgrimage trips for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. This scheme is designed to help elderly people fulfill their spiritual aspirations by visiting various religious sites across India at no cost. In this article, we will explore the details of this scheme, including eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and the various pilgrimage sites included.

Overview of Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana

What is Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana?

The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana is a government initiative launched by the Department of Religious Trusts and Endowments in Madhya Pradesh. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to senior citizens for visiting important pilgrimage sites in India. It was launched to ensure that elderly citizens can travel without the burden of expenses.

Key Features of the Scheme

Feature	Details
Target Group	Senior citizens aged 60 years and above
Free Travel	Complete travel expenses covered
Pilgrimage Sites	Various religious sites across India
Travel Arrangements	Special trains, food, accommodation provided
Health and Safety	Medical assistance during travel

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria:

1. Age Requirement:
   • Male applicants must be at least 60 years old.
   • Female applicants can apply from the age of 58 years (2 years relaxation).
2. Residency:
   • Applicants must be permanent residents of Madhya Pradesh.
3. Income Tax Status:
   • Applicants should not be income tax payers.
4. Previous Benefits:
   • Individuals who have previously availed of benefits under this scheme are not eligible.
5. Health Conditions:
   • Applicants must be physically and mentally fit for travel and should not suffer from any infectious diseases.

Additional Considerations

• If a husband and wife wish to travel together, one spouse can accompany the other even if they do not meet the age requirement, provided one is eligible.
• Disabled individuals with a disability of more than 60% can also apply without any age restrictions.

Application Process

Applying for the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can apply:

Offline Application Process

1. Visit Local Tahsil Office:
   • Interested applicants should visit their nearest Tahsil or Sub-Tahsil office to collect the application form.
2. Fill Out the Application Form:
   • Complete the application form with all required details accurately.
3. Attach Required Documents:
   • Include necessary documents such as:
     • Identity proof (Aadhaar card or voter ID)
     • Age proof (birth certificate or any government-issued ID)
     • Address proof (utility bill or rental agreement)
     • Income tax status declaration
     • Medical fitness certificate (if required)
4. Submit the Application:
   • Submit the filled application form along with all attached documents at your local Tahsil or Sub-Tahsil office before the deadline.
5. Receive Acknowledgment:
   • After submission, ensure you receive an acknowledgment receipt for your application.

Selection Process

• The selection of pilgrims will be conducted by the district collector based on the applications received.
• Priority may be given to those who have not traveled before under this scheme.

Benefits of Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana

The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana offers several benefits to senior citizens:

1. Free Pilgrimage Travel:
   • Eligible senior citizens can undertake free pilgrimage trips to various religious sites across India.
2. Comprehensive Support Services:
   • The scheme covers all expenses related to travel, including:
     • Train tickets
     • Food during the journey
     • Accommodation at pilgrimage sites
     • Medical assistance if needed
3. Spiritual Fulfillment:
   • The initiative allows senior citizens to visit significant religious places, fulfilling their spiritual desires without financial constraints.
4. Social Inclusion:
   • The scheme promotes social inclusion by allowing elderly citizens to participate in group travel, fostering community spirit among participants.

List of Pilgrimage Sites Covered

Under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, senior citizens can visit various important pilgrimage sites across India:

• Kashi (Varanasi): One of the oldest cities in India and a major cultural hub.
• Amritsar (Golden Temple): The holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism.
• Ayodhya: A significant site for Hindus, known as the birthplace of Lord Rama.
• Haridwar: A sacred city where the Ganges River exits the mountains.
• Rameshwaram: Famous for its temples and beautiful beaches.
• Dwarka: Known for its ancient temples and rich history.
• Shirdi (Sai Baba Temple): A popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Sai Baba.
• Tirupati (Tirumala Temple): One of the most visited religious places in India.
• Jagannath Puri (Jagannath Temple): Renowned for its annual Rath Yatra festival.
• Badrinath and Kedarnath: Important shrines in Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana?

The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana is a government initiative that provides free pilgrimage trips for senior citizens aged 60 years and above in Madhya Pradesh.

Who is eligible for this scheme?

Senior citizens who are permanent residents of Madhya Pradesh, aged 60 years or older (58 years for women), and who are not income tax payers are eligible to apply.

How can I apply for this scheme?

You can apply offline by visiting your nearest Tahsil office, collecting an application form, filling it out, attaching required documents, and submitting it before the deadline.

Is there any cost involved in this scheme?

No, there are no costs involved for eligible participants; all expenses related to travel will be covered by the state government.

What happens if I have previously availed this benefit?

Individuals who have previously taken advantage of this scheme are not eligible to apply again.

Conclusion

The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana is a commendable initiative by the Madhya Pradesh government aimed at enhancing the spiritual lives of senior citizens. By providing free pilgrimage trips to significant religious sites across India, it allows elderly individuals to fulfill their long-held dreams without financial burdens.

With its comprehensive support services, including travel arrangements and medical assistance if needed, this scheme ensures that senior citizens can embark on their spiritual journeys comfortably and safely.

If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to explore India’s rich cultural heritage through its sacred sites!

Disclaimer:This article provides an overview of the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana based on available information regarding its features and requirements. For detailed guidelines or specific inquiries about applying for this scheme or understanding related regulations further, please consult directly with authorized representatives from relevant government departments before making any decisions related to this topic.