Mukhyamantri Tirtha Darshan Yojana.

Senior citizens of all religions in the state who are 60 years of age or older wish to visit pilgrimage sites in India. However, due to financial constraints or lack of companionship and information, many senior citizens are unable to fulfill their pilgrimage dreams. To address this, the state government has introduced the “Mukhyamantri Tirtha Darshan Yojana” to provide free visits to pilgrimage sites across the state and India for senior citizens of all religions who are 60 years of age and above.

Details of the Scheme

The scheme includes a total of 73 pilgrimage sites in India and 66 sites within Maharashtra. Senior citizens can avail themselves of a one-time benefit to visit one of these major pilgrimage sites. The maximum travel expense covered by the scheme is Rs. 30,000 per person, including travel, food, accommodation, etc. To be eligible, the senior citizen must be a resident of Maharashtra, aged 60 or above, with an annual family income not exceeding Rs. 2.50 lakhs. Applicants must submit a fitness certificate from a government medical officer, issued within 15 days before travel. Those who were selected in previous lotteries but did not complete the journey will not be eligible. False information or concealment of facts will result in disqualification from the scheme.

Application Process

Applicants must submit an online application along with the beneficiary’s Aadhaar Card/Ration Card, Maharashtra State Domicile Certificate/Birth Certificate, income certificate, medical certificate, passport-size photograph, mobile number of next of kin, and an undertaking to comply with the scheme’s terms and conditions. If the domicile certificate is unavailable, other identity documents such as ration card, voter ID card, school leaving certificate, or birth certificate before the age of 15 will be accepted.

Ineligible Applicants

The scheme does not benefit individuals whose family members are income tax payers, regular or permanent government employees, pensioners, current or former MPs/MLAs, or individuals holding certain government positions. Families owning four-wheel vehicles (excluding tractors) are also ineligible. Additionally, applicants must be physically and mentally fit for travel and free from communicable diseases such as TB, cardiorespiratory disease, coronary insufficiency, coronary thrombosis, mental illness, and infectious leprosy.

Selection of Beneficiaries

Tourist companies authorized to organize rail and bus travel under this scheme, as well as registered companies authorized by IRCTC, will be selected through a tender process. Beneficiaries will be selected by a district-level committee based on a district-wise quota, with a surcharge based on the population and the number of applicants. Passengers will be selected through a computerized lottery draw if applications exceed the quota. A waiting list will also be created for an additional 100 percent of the quota. Selected individuals cannot take another person with them, but in cases where a spouse is selected and the other is not, the Commissioner of the Social Welfare Commissionerate in Pune may decide to send both.

Travel Process

The list of passengers selected by the district-level committee will be handed over to the Commissioner of Social Welfare, Pune. The list of selected passengers will then be given to the authorized tourist company/agency responsible for travel arrangements. This company/agency will organize the departure of the group of travelers for the tour. The state government will decide on the necessary facilities for the journey and ensure their provision. All pilgrims must reach the departure point at their own expense. If a traveler needs to leave the journey midway, they will not be provided any facility by the government and must do so at their own expense with the permission of the guide present. If a passenger wants to avail themselves of facilities beyond those prescribed by the temple and the department, the additional financial burden will be their responsibility.

Application Process

Applications for the scheme can be submitted online through the portal, mobile app, or Setu Suvidha Kendra. The following procedure is prescribed: eligible senior citizens can apply online. For those unable to submit the application online, assistance will be available at Setu Kendra. The entire application process is free. Applicants must be present at the specified location to have their photograph taken live and complete the KYC process. Applicants need to bring their family’s complete identity card (ration card) and their own Aadhaar card. After receipt of applications, the provisional list of eligible applicants will be announced on the portal/app. In the unfortunate event of an applicant’s death, their name will be removed from the beneficiary list.

Applicant Above 75 Years Allowed to Take Spouse or Assistant

Applicants above 75 years of age will be allowed to take their spouse or an assistant with them. The applicant must mention in their application that their spouse/assistant is willing to travel. A travel assistant can accompany the applicant even if the spouse of an applicant over 75 years old is under 60. This facility is available only if the applicant is above 75 years and has applied for solo rail travel. Assistants will not be allowed if the applicant is under 75 years. There will be no facility to take a helper if traveling with a partner. If both spouses are above 75 years and a helper is registered in the application, they can be sent. The assistant should be between 21 and 50 years old. If a helper is taken on the journey, they will receive the same facilities as the passenger. The assistant should be physically fit for travel. Travelers, spouses, and assistants must follow all travel-related guidelines.

Monitoring and Review Committees

A committee of 17 members has been formed under the chairmanship of the Minister of the Social Justice Department at the state level to monitor and review the scheme. Similarly, for implementation, a committee of 7 members will operate at the district level under the chairmanship of the Guardian Minister, with the Assistant Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department serving as the Member Secretary. At the state level, the Commissioner of Social Welfare will act as the nodal officer.