Bihar Rajya Fasal Sahayata Yojna
The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana by the Odisha Government, launched on February 1, 2016, in partnership Read More... with IRCTC, assists senior citizens aged 60-75 in fulfilling their pilgrimage dreams. Read less
Details
The "Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana" (BNTYY) is a thoughtful initiative by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha. Launched on February 1, 2016, in collaboration with IRCTC, this scheme aims to help senior citizens fulfill their spiritual aspirations by taking them on pilgrimages across India.
What Is This Scheme?
This scheme is designed to allow senior citizens from Odisha, particularly those who are economically weaker, to visit various pilgrimage sites in the country. The entire journey, from travel and accommodation to food and medical support, is managed with government assistance, making it easier for them to undertake these important spiritual journeys.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
The primary beneficiaries of this scheme are senior citizens of Odisha who are between 60 and 75 years of age. It specifically targets those who may not have the financial means to undertake such journeys otherwise. The scheme is open to people of all faiths and regions within the state.
Why This Scheme Is Important
Many elderly individuals dream of visiting holy places, but financial constraints or physical limitations can often stand in their way. The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana addresses this by providing comprehensive support, ensuring that the spiritual aspirations of senior citizens can be met with comfort and dignity.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be between 60 and 75 years of age. For a married couple applying jointly, one spouse can be under 60 if the other meets the age requirement. Age is calculated as of the application submission deadline.
- Must be a domicile of Odisha.
- Must be physically fit for the journey and free from any communicable diseases.
- An attendant can accompany pilgrims aged 70 years or above. The attendant must be over 18 years old and apply jointly with the pilgrim.
- The attendant needs to pay 50% of the travel cost via a Bank Draft payable to the Director, Tourism, Bhubaneswar.
- A married couple can apply jointly as one application, with individual facilities provided.
- Each pilgrim can avail of this journey benefit only once in their lifetime.
- Applicants must possess one of the following documents to prove their economic status: Antyodaya/Annapurna card, NFSA Ration Card, Widow Pension/Old Age Pension, MGNREGS Job Card, or other similar state government-issued documents indicating weak economic status.
Note: Providing false information will lead to disqualification from the scheme's benefits.
Pilgrim Responsibilities:
- Pilgrims should avoid wearing excessive jewelry.
- Must provide an undertaking that they are fit for the journey and do not have communicable diseases.
- Must give an undertaking that the journey is voluntary and at their own risk, and the state government is not liable for any unforeseen incidents.
- Must not deviate from the scheduled program.
- Should follow instructions from IRCTC officials and maintain good behavior.
How To Apply
- Eligible senior citizens can apply for the scheme online.
- Visit the official website of the Department of Tourism, Odisha: https://yatra.odisha.gov.in/
- Fill out the application form with all the required details.
- Submit the application along with the necessary documents.
- For attendants accompanying pilgrims above 70 years, a joint application is required, along with the specified bank draft for 50% of the travel cost.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity Card (e.g., Aadhaar card)
- Proof of Age
- Proof of Residence
- Mandatory proof of economic status, which can be any one of the following:
- Antyodaya/ Annapurna card
- Ration Card under NFSA
- Widow Pension/ Old Age Pension certificate
- MGNREGS Job Card
- Documents based on auto inclusion and deprivation criteria used by the Panchayati Raj Department.
- Any other similar document issued by the State Government reflecting their weak economic status or deprivation.
FAQ’s
What is the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
This is a scheme by the Odisha Department of Tourism, partnered with IRCTC, to help senior citizens aged 60-75 undertake pilgrimages within India with government assistance.
When did the BNTYY scheme start?
The scheme was officially launched on February 1, 2016.
What are the main goals of this pilgrimage scheme for seniors?
The primary aim is to give poor and underprivileged senior citizens in Odisha a chance to visit pilgrimage sites, helping them fulfill their spiritual desires with state support.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Senior citizens of Odisha who are between 60 and 75 years old, from any faith or region, and who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
What benefits do senior citizens receive under this Yojana?
The scheme covers travel arrangements, accommodation, vegetarian meals, travel insurance, and medical facilities, making the pilgrimage comfortable and accessible for the elderly.
Is being an Odisha resident a requirement for this scheme?
Yes, applicants must be domiciled residents of Odisha to be eligible.
Can someone of any religion apply for the pilgrimage?
Yes, the scheme is inclusive and welcomes applications from senior citizens of all religions and regions within Odisha.
Do applicants get to choose their pilgrimage destinations?
No, the destinations and the travel schedule are pre-approved and organized by the Department of Tourism. Pilgrims will visit designated sites according to the approved itinerary.
Are there any health requirements for participants?
Yes, applicants must be medically fit for travel and should not have any communicable diseases to ensure the safety of all participants.
Can a senior citizen bring a companion on the pilgrimage?
Yes, pilgrims aged 70 years and above can be accompanied by an attendant. The attendant must be over 18 years old and apply jointly.
What is the process for an attendant to apply?
The attendant must submit a joint application with the pilgrim and pay 50% of their travel cost via a Bank Draft made out to the Director, Tourism, payable at Bhubaneswar.
Is there an age limit for the attendant?
Yes, the attendant must be at least 18 years of age.
Can I use this pilgrimage benefit more than once?
No, under this scheme, each pilgrim is eligible to avail of the journey benefit only once in their lifetime.
How do I apply for this scheme?
You can apply online by visiting the official website of the Department of Tourism, Odisha, at https://yatra.odisha.gov.in/.
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