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The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, launched in Odisha on February 1, 2016, helps senior citizens aged Read More... 60-75 undertake pilgrimages with government assistance, in partnership with IRCTC. Read less

Details

For many, a pilgrimage is a lifelong dream. The Odisha government understands this and has launched the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana to help its senior citizens fulfill this spiritual aspiration.

What Is This Scheme?

The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, often shortened to BNTYY, is a special initiative by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha. Launched on February 1, 2016, it's a collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The main idea is to take senior citizens from Odisha to various pilgrimage sites across the country, making it easier and more accessible for them.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically designed for the elderly citizens of Odisha. If you are between 60 and 75 years old, this is a wonderful opportunity to fulfill your spiritual journey with support from the government. It's open to people from all religious backgrounds.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Many elderly individuals, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, may find it difficult to undertake a pilgrimage due to financial or physical constraints. This scheme bridges that gap. It provides an avenue for them to experience the spiritual solace of visiting holy places, fulfilling a deeply cherished dream with dignity and support.

Objective

The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, launched in Odisha on February 1, 2016, helps senior citizens aged 60-75 undertake pilgrimages with government assistance, in partnership with IRCTC.

Benefits

In case of a reduction in the actual yield rate by 20% as compared to the threshold yield rate, total assistance of Rs. 15,000 is estimated at the rate of Rs. 7,500 per hectare up to a maximum of two (02) hectares.

In the event of more than a 20% reduction in the actual yield rate as compared to the threshold yield rate, total assistance of Rs. 20,000 is estimated at the rate of Rs. 10,000 per hectare up to a maximum of two (02) hectares.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Age: Applicants must be between 60 and 75 years old. For married couples applying jointly, one spouse can be less than 60 years old. Age is calculated as of the application deadline.
Domicile: You must be a resident of Odisha.
Fitness: Applicants should be fit enough to travel and must not have any communicable diseases.
Attendant: Applicants aged 70 years or above can be accompanied by an attendant. The attendant must be over 18 years old. The attendant's application must be a joint one with the pilgrim. The attendant has to pay 50% of the travel cost via a Bank Draft favouring Director, Tourism, payable at Bhubaneswar.
Married Couples: A married couple can apply jointly. Their application counts as one, but individual facilities will be provided. They are eligible even if one spouse is under 60.
One-Time Benefit: Each pilgrim can avail of this pilgrimage benefit only once in their lifetime.
Economic Status: Applicants must possess at least one of the following documents to show they belong to a poor or deprived section:
- Antyodaya/ Annapurna card
- Ration Card under NFSA
- Widow Pension/ Old Age Pension
- MGNREGS Job Card
- Documents related to auto inclusion and deprivation criteria used by the Panchayati Raj Department for identifying weaker sections.
- Any other similar document issued by the State Government proving their weak economic status.

Note: Providing false information will lead to disqualification from the scheme's benefits.

Important Undertakings by Pilgrims:

Pilgrims should try to avoid wearing jewellery during the journey.
They must confirm they are fit for travel and free from communicable diseases.
Pilgrims must acknowledge that they are undertaking the journey willingly and at their own risk. The state government will not be responsible for any unforeseen incidents during the pilgrimage until they reach home.
Selected pilgrims must adhere to the scheduled program and not deviate from the planned journey or site visits.
Pilgrims are expected to follow the instructions given by IRCTC officials throughout the journey.
Good conduct and behaviour are expected from all pilgrims towards each other and the IRCTC staff.

How To Apply

The application process is primarily conducted online. Interested and eligible senior citizens can apply through the official portal provided by the Department of Tourism, Odisha.

Visit the official website: https://yatra.odisha.gov.in/
Fill out the application form carefully with all the required details.
Upload necessary documents as specified.
Submit the application.

For any offline submissions or specific queries related to the application process, it is advisable to check the official notifications or contact the Department of Tourism, Odisha.

Documents Required

Passport-size photograph
Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card)
Proof of Age
Residence Proof
Mandatory Proof of Economic Status (any one of the following):

Antyodaya/ Annapurna card
Ration Card under NFSA
Widow Pension/ Old Age Pension beneficiary card
MGNREGS Job Card
Documents reflecting deprivation criteria as used by the Panchayati Raj Department.
Any other similar document issued by the State Government indicating their weak economic standing.

FAQ’s

When did the "Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana" begin?

The scheme was officially launched on February 1, 2016.

What is the main goal of the Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme by the Odisha Tourism Department?

The primary aim is to give poor and deprived senior citizens in Odisha a chance to go on a pilgrimage, helping them fulfill their spiritual aspirations with government backing.

Can a senior citizen participate in this pilgrimage scheme more than once?

No, under this scheme, a pilgrim is eligible to avail the benefit of the journey only once in their lifetime.

What are the age limits for applying to the scheme?

Applicants must be between 60 and 75 years old. However, if a married couple applies together, one spouse can be younger than 60. The age is calculated as of the last date for submitting the application.

What health conditions are considered for eligibility?

Applicants must have the necessary fitness to undertake the journey and should not be suffering from any communicable disease that could be a risk to themselves or others during travel.

Is there any special provision for older pilgrims?

Yes, individuals above 70 years of age can be accompanied by an attendant to assist them during the pilgrimage.

What are the requirements for the attendant accompanying a pilgrim?

The attendant must be over 18 years old. Their application must be submitted jointly with the pilgrim. Additionally, the attendant needs to pay 50% of the travel cost through a Bank Draft made out to the Director, Tourism, payable at Bhubaneswar, along with the application.

How can I apply for the pilgrimage scheme online?

You can apply online by visiting the official website of the Department of Tourism, Odisha, at https://yatra.odisha.gov.in/.

What kinds of documents are needed to prove my low economic status?

You need to provide one of the following: Antyodaya/ Annapurna card, Ration Card under NFSA, Widow Pension/ Old Age Pension card, MGNREGS Job Card, or any other similar document from the State Government that shows your weak economic status. Details used by the Panchayati Raj Department for identifying weaker sections are also accepted.

Are people from all religious backgrounds eligible for this scheme?

Yes, absolutely. The scheme is designed to benefit senior citizens of all regions and faiths within Odisha.

What is BNTYY?

BNTYY stands for Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana. It's a pilgrimage scheme by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, run in partnership with IRCTC to help senior citizens travel to holy places.

What kind of facilities are provided during the pilgrimage?

You can expect vegetarian meals, breakfast, tea, snacks, drinking water throughout the journey, local road transport, accommodation at destinations, tour guides, travel insurance, and medical support from professional doctors, all arranged by IRCTC.