Gujarat’s Pilgrimage Schemes Help Over 1.42 Lakh Pilgrims with Subsidized Travel
The Gujarat government has launched several pilgrimage schemes to help people visit their chosen pilgrimage destinations at a subsidized cost. Over the past seven years, more than 1,42,000 pilgrims have benefited from these schemes.
Shravan Teerth Darshan Yojana
The Shravan Teerth Darshan Yojana has been particularly successful, with 1,38,748 senior citizens benefiting from the scheme. Launched on Gujarat Foundation Day in 2017, this scheme allows senior citizens aged 60 and above to travel to pilgrimage destinations in non-AC State Transport buses, mini non-AC buses, sleeper coaches, and private buses. The government covers 75% of the bus travel expenses and provides meals and accommodation worth Rs 100 per day.
Kailash Mansarovar Yojana
The Kailash Mansarovar Yojana has benefited 2,564 pilgrims, with the government providing financial assistance of Rs 581.49 lakh. The financial aid has been increased from Rs 23,000 to Rs 50,000 per pilgrim.
Sindhu Darshan Yojana
The Sindhu Darshan Yojana has helped 1,754 pilgrims since 2017, with a total financial assistance of Rs 2.63 Crore. This scheme encourages travel to the Sindhu Darshan Utsav in Leh-Ladakh, where pilgrims participate in the sacred ritual of bathing in the Sindhu River. Each year, 300 pilgrims receive Rs 15,000 in government assistance, and a draw system is used if the number of applicants exceeds 300.
These initiatives, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aim to promote religious tourism and make pilgrimage more accessible to the people of Gujarat.
Doubts Revealed
Gujarat -: Gujarat is a state in western India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and beautiful temples.
Pilgrimage -: A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place. People go on pilgrimages to pray and show their devotion to their religion.
Subsidized Travel -: Subsidized travel means that the government helps pay for part of the travel costs, making it cheaper for people to go on trips.
Shravan Teerth Darshan Yojana -: This is a special program by the Gujarat government that helps senior citizens travel to holy places at a lower cost.
Senior Citizens -: Senior citizens are older adults, usually people who are 60 years old or more.
Kailash Mansarovar Yojana -: This is another program that helps people travel to Kailash Mansarovar, a sacred place in the Himalayas, with financial support from the government.
Sindhu Darshan Yojana -: This program helps people visit the Sindhu River, which is an important river in Indian history and culture, with financial help from the government.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel -: Bhupendra Patel is the current Chief Minister of Gujarat. A Chief Minister is like the head of the state government.
Religious Tourism -: Religious tourism is when people travel to different places to visit holy sites and participate in religious activities.