On November 27, 2023, the Punjab Government flagged off the “Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra” for the eligible senior citizens of the state. On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti and Prakash Parv, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is inaugurating the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra in Punjab, presenting it as a special gift to the people. It’s noteworthy that the Punjab Cabinet approved on November 6 for this initiative, which will run from November 27 to February 29. Around 53,860 devotees have participated in this pilgrimage, with a dedicated budget of Rs 40 crore allocated for its implementation.
In this article, we are going to talk about the scheme in detail. I am certain that by the end of the article, you won’t have any problem regarding the scheme.
What is Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra?
The Punjab Government launched the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana 2023, following the footsteps of the Government of Delhi. Approval for this scheme was granted during a cabinet meeting held on October 6. Under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, elderly citizens in the state will be offered the opportunity to embark on religious pilgrimages with the provision of complimentary travel, accommodation, and meals.
The initiative is designed to offer individuals aged 60 and above, who do not fall under the category of income taxpayers, the chance to visit specified pilgrimage sites located beyond the borders of the state. The program facilitates this pilgrimage by providing a complimentary trip to various sacred destinations throughout the nation.
The scheme aims to facilitate free tours for senior citizens to various religious sites across the country. The Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra will offer two modes of transportation, namely buses and trains, ensuring cost-free travel for senior citizens visiting these sacred destinations.
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Launch Date | November 27, 2023 |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Official Website | PMTY Official Website |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Objective | To provide pilgrimage trips to eligible senior citizens free of cost |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Beneficiaries | Senior Citizens of Punjab State |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Age Limit | 60 years or above |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra No of Beneficiaries per year | 50,000 per year |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Total No. of Pilgrimages Allowed | 50,000 per year |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Department | Department of Social Welfare |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Budget 2023-24 | Rs 40 Crore |
| Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Helpline Number | Not yet launched |
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Objective
The primary goal behind the initiation of the Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra is to offer complimentary pilgrimages to the senior citizens of the state. While the desire to visit sacred places exists in every individual, economic challenges often hinder elderly citizens from fulfilling this aspiration. Recognizing this barrier, the Punjab government aims to eliminate financial constraints by providing free travel facilities to residents of Punjab who wish to explore various pilgrimage sites across the nation. Consequently, elderly citizens in the state can now embark on religious journeys without facing financial limitations.
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra in News | What’s New?
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s ambitious ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra’ scheme commenced on Monday, coinciding with Guru Parv. The inaugural journey under the Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra departed from Amritsar Railway Station en route to Shri Nanded Sahib.
Present at the event were Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Minister Harbhajan Singh, MLA Dr. Ajay Gupta, MLA Dr. Jasbir Singh, and members of the Municipal Improvement Trust. Over 95 days, 53,850 devotees will receive complimentary travel.
The Punjab government will provide trains and AC buses, three-star accommodations, medical facilities, and a comprehensive kit containing essential items for the journey to approximately 53,850 pilgrims over 95 days. All necessary items will be supplied free of charge. Under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, dedicated services are allocated for various destinations, including four for Hazur Sahib, three for Sri Patna Sahib, two for Varanasi, three for Mathura and Vrindavan, and one for Ajmer Sharif.
The inaugural train transporting worshippers departed from Amritsar to Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra. The journey included approximately 300 pilgrims from Amritsar, 200 from Jalandhar, and 500 from Dhuri.
Similarly, pilgrimages to Punjab’s Shri Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and Amritsar, as well as Himachal Pradesh’s Mata Jwala Devi, Chintpurni Mata, Naina Devi Mata, Mata Vaishno Devi, and Rajasthan’s Salasar Balaji Dham and Khatu Shyam Dham, will be conducted in AC buses. In consideration of devotees’ health, each team will be accompanied by a medical team from the Punjab Government.
Devotees will also receive a kit containing essentials such as a bedsheet, blanket, towel, oil, comb, and more as part of the pilgrimage arrangements.
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Benefits
- The Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra, designed to facilitate cost-free visits to esteemed pilgrimage sites nationwide for the residents of Punjab, has received approval.
- This initiative offers complimentary travel to senior citizens desiring to explore various religious destinations across the country.
- Beneficiaries of the free travel facility will not only enjoy transportation but also receive food and accommodation services, with the entire expense covered by the Punjab Government.
- Both buses and trains will be utilized to provide free travel to diverse religious places under this scheme.
- The Punjab Government has allocated Rs 40 crore for the Chief Minister’s pilgrimage, ensuring that elderly citizens in the state can now undertake lifetime visits to religious sites without financial constraints.
- This scheme is expected to benefit numerous elderly individuals in the state, aiming for widespread implementation to maximize its impact.
- This inclusive initiative by the Punjab Government opens avenues for elderly citizens who were previously unable to embark on pilgrimages due to financial limitations.
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Pilgrimage List
As part of the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra, the Punjab Government has outlined two distinct modes of transportation for pilgrimage. Train journeys will facilitate long-distance travel to religious destinations, while buses will be employed for shorter distances. This initiative ensures that elderly individuals receive complimentary travel to religious sites in other states, including:
- Shri Amritsar Sahib, Punjab
- Shri Hazoor Sahib
- Khawaja Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan
- Mata Naina Devi Ji
- Shari Vrindavan Dham
- Mata Jwala Ji
- Varanasi
- Anandpur Sahib in Punjab
- Talwandi Sabo in Varanasi
- Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu
- Mata Chintpurni in Himachal Pradesh
- Sri Patna Sahib.
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Scheme in 2023, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- The applicant must be a resident of Punjab.
- Individuals eligible for this scheme should be senior citizens aged 60 years or above.
- The applicant must be physically and mentally capable of undertaking the pilgrimage journey.
- Candidates applying for the scheme should not be income taxpayers.
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Documents Required
Required Documents for Application:
- Aadhar card
- Proof of address
- Age certificate
- Medical certificate
- Mobile number
- Passport-sized photograph
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Application Process
To enroll in the Punjab Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme, please await further instructions. The scheme was finally inaugurated on November 27, 2023, coinciding with the Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev. A total of 53,860 devotees have been flagged off for the pilgrimages. However, there is no clear Information regarding the online or offline application process disclosed by the Punjab Government after the launch. If there are any future disclosures related to this announcement, we will furnish details in this article on how you can apply for the scheme and access the benefits of a complimentary pilgrimage.
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra FAQs
What is Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra?
Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra is a pilgrimage scheme launched by the Government of Punjab on November 27, 2023, on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev JI. Under this scheme, every year people above 60 years of age will get trip once in a lifetime under the sponsorship of the Punjab government.
How many pilgrimages are allowed under the Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra?
Under the Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra, a total of 12 pilgrimages are allowed which will be covered under the scheme.
Name the pilgrimages that are allowed under the Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra.
Shri Amritsar Sahib, Punjab
Shri Hazoor Sahib
Khawaja Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan
Mata Naina Devi Ji
Shari Vrindavan Dham
Mata Jwala Ji
Varanasi
Anandpur Sahib in Punjab
Talwandi Sabo in Varanasi
Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu
Mata Chintpurni in Himachal Pradesh
Sri Patna Sahib.
How many days will this travel under the Punjab Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Scheme?
Over the course of 95 days, 53,850 devotees will receive complimentary travel under this scheme.
