Tamil Nadu Government Announces Pilgrimage Subsidy for Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh Communities

CM M.K. Stalin Receives Appreciation from Minority Representatives for Inclusive Policy

Chennai – In a progressive move promoting religious inclusivity, the Tamil Nadu government has announced financial assistance for pilgrimages by members of the Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh communities to their holy sites within India. The policy reflects the state’s commitment to secular values and harmony, and it has been widely appreciated by minority welfare board members.

The initiative provides subsidies of ₹10,000 per person to 50 Buddhist pilgrims, 50 Jain pilgrims, and 20 Sikh pilgrims every year to undertake domestic religious journeys to their sacred places across India. A total allocation of ₹12 lakh has been made under this scheme for 120 beneficiaries annually. The announcement was officially issued by the Tamil Nadu government on 10 June 2025.

Religious Subsidy: A Broader Vision of Inclusivity

The state already extends pilgrimage subsidies to Muslims for visits to Mecca and Medina, and to Christians for pilgrimages to Jerusalem. With this recent policy, Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin has ensured that even the smallest religious minorities—such as Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs—are not left behind in receiving government support for spiritual endeavors.

The beneficiaries can now visit key pilgrimage destinations like Sarnath and Bodh Gaya (for Buddhists), Shravanabelagola and Mount Girnar (for Jains), and Amritsar’s Golden Temple and Anandpur Sahib (for Sikhs), among others, without financial burden.

Minority Leaders Express Gratitude

In recognition of this inclusive gesture, minority welfare board members—Thiru Saban Rajendra Prasad, Thiru Praveen Khatriya, and Thiru Rameet Kumar—met CM Stalin at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat on July 7, 2025, and personally thanked him for introducing the policy.

They expressed their appreciation for the government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and fostering a spirit of communal harmony through such initiatives.

State Ministers in Attendance

The meeting was also attended by:

• Minister for Minority Welfare and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils, Thiru S. Moorthy Nadar
• Principal Secretary, Thiru Na. Muruganandam, IAS

Both officials reiterated the government’s intention to ensure equal opportunities for all religious communities and to preserve cultural and spiritual traditions through proactive governance.

Issued by:
Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai – 9