What you get
- Under the scheme, the state government provides an opportunity for senior citizens (60 years and above) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to visit one or more designated pilgrimage sites outside the state. | - This assistance is available once in their lifetime. | List of Pilgrimage Sites: | - Ujjain, Omkareshwar | - Puri, Bhubaneswar | - Haridwar, Rishikesh | - Mathura, Vrindavan | - Prayag, Kashi | - Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur, Trimbakeshwar | - Vaishno Devi, Jammu | - Amritsar, Golden Temple | - Tirupati, Madurai, Rameshwaram | - Ajmer Sharif, Fatehpur (Dargah of Chishti) | - Baba Baidyanath Dham | - Dakshineswar, Kalighat, Gangasagar | - Dwarka, Somnath, Nageshwar | - Sammed Shikharji | - Shravanabelagola | - Velankanni Church, Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) | - Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Nalanda | - Kamakhya Temple, Navagraha Temple, Vashishtha Muni Ashram, Umananda Temple, Shivaji Temple, Shankar Dev Kala Kshetra-Guwahati | - Sabari Mala, Guruvayur, Ettumanoor Temple
Who can apply
Required Paperwork
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Residence Proof (Domicile)
Common Questions
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Eligible applicants must be residents of Chhattisgarh, senior citizens (60 years and above) or PwDs (18 years and above), not be income taxpayers, and not have previously traveled under this scheme. They must also be physically and mentally capable of traveling and not suffer from infectious diseases.
How many pilgrimage sites can beneficiaries visit under the scheme?
Beneficiaries can visit one or more of the designated pilgrimage sites outside the state once in their lifetime.
What are some of the designated pilgrimage sites under the scheme?
Designated sites include Ujjain, Puri, Haridwar, Mathura, Shirdi, Vaishno Devi, Amritsar, Tirupati, Ajmer Sharif, and several others across India.
Can beneficiaries travel with companions?
Only the selected beneficiary is permitted to travel. They cannot bring additional persons with them, even if the companion is willing to cover their own expenses.
What if a disabled person's spouse is selected?
If a disabled person's spouse is selected, the spouse can accompany them on the journey. The application of the spouse must be attached with the disabled person's application.
Can a group of disabled people apply together?
Yes, a group of five or more disabled individuals can apply as a group. The entire group will be considered as one application in the lottery.
Are assistants allowed for elderly or disabled pilgrims?
Elderly individuals (65 years and above) can take one assistant with them. Groups of 3 to 5 elderly persons can have one assistant for the group. Disabled individuals must be accompanied by an assistant of their choice.
What are the restrictions regarding luggage and items during the trip?
Pilgrims cannot carry inflammable or intoxicating substances, jewelry, or items that could affect the dignity of the pilgrimage.
How are beneficiaries selected for the scheme?
Beneficiaries are selected through a lottery system conducted by the Collector.
Where should applicants submit their application forms?
Applications should be submitted to the Gram Panchayat, District Panchayat, or Deputy Director of Panchayat and Social Welfare of their respective district.
Can groups apply for the pilgrimage?
Yes, groups can apply together as one application. The maximum group size is 25 persons, including assistants.
What if a beneficiary wants additional facilities during the journey?
Any additional facilities beyond those provided by the scheme must be paid for by the beneficiary themselves.
Can elderly pilgrims take more than one assistant?
No, only one assistant is allowed per elderly pilgrim or group.
How often can beneficiaries avail of the pilgrimage assistance under this scheme?
Beneficiaries can avail of the pilgrimage assistance only once in their lifetime.