Consider having to go on a long spiritual journey that you have always wanted to go on and the government is to sponsor you on your trip to visit holy places in India. It is the beautiful vision of the Chhattisgarh Tirth Barat Yojana.
This programme, which is compassionate and known as the scheme for senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), was launched on 4 th December, 2012 by the state social welfare department to enable the senior citizens and PwDs to fulfil their spiritual dreams. This guide will guide you through the whole process should you or one of your loved ones happen to be a resident of the Chhattisgarh; this is an amazing opportunity that should not be missed.
An Overview of the Tirth Barat Yojana
The main aim of the Tirth Barat Yojana is to offer governmental support in form of visiting holy places other than those within Chattisgarh. This is due to the fact that this is a one in a lifetime kind of event as eligible beneficiaries get this assistance.
The scheme is specially aimed at helping individuals with less privileged origins:
- 80% of the seats are reserved for individuals from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, including Antyodaya and Chief Minister Food Grain Scheme cardholders.
- The remaining 20% are for senior citizens and PwDs above the poverty line, provided they are not income taxpayers.
- To ensure rural inclusion, 75% of beneficiaries will be from rural areas, with 25% from urban areas.
What Are the Key Benefits?
- A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: The state government pays the travelling expenses of a pilgrimage to one or more considered holy places.
- Varying Destinations: The beneficiaries can travel to a wide range of pilgrimage centres, which includes different religions of Hinduism and Islam to Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism.
- Accessibility-oriented: The scheme is particularly aimed at individuals that may be unable to commit to such a journey due to financial or logistics limitations.
A Glimpse of the Designated Pilgrimage Sites
The plan consists of a grand list of spiritual places in India. Among the major destinations, one can distinguish:
- North & Central India: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Vaishno Devi, Amritsar (Golden Temple).
- South India: Tirupati, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Shravanabelagola, Velankanni Church, Sabari Mala, Guruvayur.
- West India: Dwarka, Somnath, Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur.
- East & North-East India: Puri, Bhubaneswar, Baba Baidyanath Dham, Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati).
- Sufi Shrines: Ajmer Sharif, Fatehpur (Dargah of Chishti).
Who is Eligible for the Scheme?
In order to be eligible to receive the Tirth Barat Yojana, an individual should fulfil the following requirements:
- Be a permanent resident of Chhattisgarh.
- Either be a senior citizen of the age of 60 or older, or be a Person with Disability (PwD) of the age of 18 or older (visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disability etc.).
- Should not have come under this scheme previously.
- Should not be an income tax payer.
- Should be in good physical and physical health to travel, should not be living with infectious, or severe health conditions (e.g. tuberculosis, cardiac, mental illness).
Important Rules and Regulations to Note
- Group Travel Only: All pilgrimages are done in organised groups. A trip can only start as soon as a set number of passengers is reached.
- No Additional Companions: The selected beneficiary is only allowed to travel. You are not allowed to carry family members or friends despite the fact that they pay on their own. The seat/berth is reserved to one pilgrim each.
- Additional Facilities: The pilgrim has to cover any cost or facilities beyond what is provided by the government.
- Code of Conduct: Pilgrims are expected to maintain the dignity of the pilgrimage. They cannot carry inflammable or intoxicating substances, excessive jewellery, and must follow the instructions of the designated contact officer.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is conducted offline via a lottery system.
- Obtain the Form: Get the prescribed application form from your local Gram Panchayat, District Panchayat, or the office of the Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare in your district.
- Submit the Application: Fill out the form completely and submit it to the same office.
- Selection by Lottery: The final selection of beneficiaries is done through a transparent lottery system conducted by the District Collector.
Key Points for Applicants:
- Spouses: If a disabled applicant’s spouse is selected, the life partner can also accompany them. The spouse’s application must be attached at the time of applying.
- Group Applications for PwDs: Five or more PwDs can apply as a group, which will be treated as a single application in the lottery. Each disabled pilgrim must be accompanied by an assistant of their choice.
- Assistants for the Elderly: A pilgrim aged 65 or above travelling alone can take one assistant. Groups of 3-5 persons (all above 65) are eligible for one assistant. Larger groups get one assistant per five passengers.
- Group Applications: General groups of up to 25 applicants (including assistants) can apply together, nominating one person as the group head.
Pro Tip: Clearly label your application envelope as “Application for a visit to the place under Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana Year [Insert Year]”. Don’t forget to provide contact details for two nominees for emergency purposes, including at least one mobile number.
Documents Required
When applying, you will likely need to provide:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photograph
- Domicile Certificate (Proof of Chhattisgarh residence)
- Proof of Age
- Address Proof (Ration Card, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, etc.)
- Income Proof
- BPL Card (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (for PwDs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the Chhattisgarh Tirth Barat Yojana?
Residents of Chhattisgarh, aged 60 and above, and Persons with Disabilities (18 and above) are not income taxpayers and are physically fit to travel.
2. How many pilgrimage sites can I visit?
The plan enables you to access one or more of the major pilgrimage locations in a single organised trip.
3. Can I travel with a companion or family member?
Generally, no. Travelling is possible only among the chosen beneficiaries. Nevertheless, there are special arrangements to assistants in the over-65 group or in the case of PwDs, in addition to spouses of a disabled applicant.
4. What if a disabled person’s spouse is selected?
The husband or wife is able to accompany them. Their application should be included together with the application of the main applicant.
5. Can a group of disabled people apply together?
Yes, an organization of five or more PwDs may apply jointly as one application. They should have an assistant with them.
6. Are assistants allowed for elderly pilgrims?
Yes, one pilgrim of over 65 years of age may have one assistant. Assistants can also be provided to groups of elderly pilgrims depending on their sizes.
7. What are the luggage restrictions?
Pilgrims are not allowed to carry flammable substances, alcohol and huge jewellery. Carry few things and go by the instructions.
8. How are beneficiaries selected?
The beneficiaries are chosen by a random lottery draw by the office of the District Collector.
9. Where do I submit my application form?
Your local Gram Panchayat, District Panchayat, or the Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare located in your district should be your destination with the filled form.
10. Is this a recurring benefit?
No, the financial aid on the pilgrimage is not given more than once in a lifetime.