In the fast-paced struggle of today’s life, individuals find themselves with limited time for personal and familial pursuits. Amidst this hectic lifestyle, it is often the solace of religious and spiritual sentiments that allows individuals to dedicate moments to peace and happiness. The belief persists that genuine happiness is attained through visits to sacred religious places. Unfortunately, economic constraints hinder some individuals from fulfilling this desire. Recognizing this challenge, the Government of Goa has initiated efforts to assist such individuals, particularly senior citizens, in experiencing the blessings of the divine. The program is named “Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana.”
In this article, we are going to talk about the scheme in detail. We are also going to talk about the objective, eligibility, documents that are required, and offline registration details of the scheme.Â
What is Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana?
The Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana was initiated by the government of Goa in June 2012. This program is designed to offer senior citizens aged 60 and above whose family annual income is not more than 3 lakh per annum to visit specified pilgrimage sites located outside the state. The scheme facilitates this journey by providing a complimentary trip to various pilgrimage destinations across the country.
Under the Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a Government of India undertaking, organizes travel through special trains for the participating senior citizens.Â
Source : Internet
The scheme also includes provisions for offering complimentary transportation to senior citizens for visits to renowned temples, churches, mosques, and other locations within the state of Goa. This transportation service will be facilitated by buses operated by the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited. Transportation will be arranged for a minimum of 40 senior citizens, and the tour will be a one-day excursion.
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Launch Date | November 07, 2022 |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Official Website | MDDYY Official Website |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Objective | To provide the trip of senior citizens above 60 years to the pilgrimage within or outside the state. |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Implementing Agency | IRCTC |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Minimum No. of People in a Group | 40 to 750 persons |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana which state | Goa |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Age Limit | 60 years or above |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Income Limit | Rs 3,00,000 Per Annum |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Mode of Application | Offline |
| Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Helpline Number | 8882988000 |
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Objectives
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana aims to offer one-time travel assistance for a pilgrimage during their lifetime to senior citizens, allowing them to visit sacred places outside of Goa as outlined in itineraries determined by the Government of Goa.
The pilgrimage will be organized through the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) package, following the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established between the Government and IRCTC.
These pilgrimage tours will be arranged for groups consisting of no fewer than 750 individuals who express a desire to visit holy places specified in the itineraries determined by the Government of Goa.
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Benefits
The Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana offers a range of benefits for individuals considering availing themselves of the scheme. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the details of the program to ensure a smooth experience without any inconvenience in the future.
The following is a comprehensive list of the scheme’s benefits:
- Free Travel for Senior Citizens:
- The scheme provides complimentary travel for senior citizens who may face challenges in traveling independently.
- Coverage of All Pilgrimage Expenses:
- The Goa government covers all expenses related to the pilgrimage, encompassing travel, food, and accommodation charges.
- Comprehensive Support During the Journey:
- Paramedical staff and attendants are readily available throughout the journey, ensuring the well-being and assistance of the participants.
By understanding and appreciating these benefits, individuals can make informed decisions when considering participation in the Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana.
Source : Internet
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be at least 60 years old when applying for this scheme.
- Individuals applying for this program should have been residents of Goa for a minimum of 15 years, as certified by the Deputy Collector.
- The annual family income of the applicant should not exceed Rs. 3.00 lakhs per annum from all sources.
- Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to undertake the journey and should not be afflicted with communicable diseases such as TB, heart disease, leprosy, COVID-19, etc.
- This condition should be certified by a doctor from the Health Department of the Government of Goa, holding a rank not below that of the Chief Medical Officer or Health Officer.
- The certification should follow the prescribed format, obtained from the relevant area where the applicant resides.
- The scheme allows one attendant to accompany the pilgrim, provided that the attendant is also above the age of 60 years.
- Preference will be given to husband and wife applicants, given that both individuals qualify as senior citizens.
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Documents Required
- Provide an income certificate issued by a competent authority, demonstrating the family’s annual income from all sources.
- Furnish a residence certificate confirming at least 15 years of residence in Goa, issued by the relevant Mamlatdar/Gazetted Officer of the Government of Goa/MLA/MP.
- Submit a birth certificate or proof of age.
- Include a copy of the Aadhar Card.
- Attach a copy of the Election Photo Identity Card.
- Enclosed is a copy of the Senior Citizen Identity Card issued by the Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Present a certificate from the Health Officer in the prescribed format.
Source: Internet
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Application Process
The application process to apply for the Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana is now available offline. It was kept on hold for some time by the government but it is now resumed. You need to submit the application form along with the attached documents required by the government. To download the application, you need to visit the official website or you can click on the direct link to get the complete application form.
After downloading the application form, you have to print all of them.
Under the Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana application, you will get 4 different forms.
- Application Form ( to apply for the scheme within Goa)
- Application Form ( to apply for the scheme outside Goa)
- Residence Certificate (attached by Gazetted Officer or MP/MLA)
- Medical Certificate ( to be issued by the Doctor of Health Department)
In the application form, you will be required to fill in all the personal information like Name, address, DOB, Caste, Aadhar Number, and more.
It is advised to fill in all the information required in the form very carefully as it will change in the future.
After completing applications, using the provided form, must be submitted to either the Directorate of Social Welfare at 18th June Road, Panaji-Goa, or the Office of the Deputy Director of Social Welfare at Mathany Saldhana Administrative Complex, Room No. 21, Collectorate South Goa, Margao-Goa.
After that, scrutiny will be done by the officials and if everything seems legit, you will be contacted for further proceedings.
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Important Guidelines
The specific routes will be determined through collaboration between the Government and Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited. The Directorate of Social Welfare will reimburse the incurred transport charges to Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited.
To avail themselves of this benefit, interested applicants must submit applications in the prescribed format, to the Directorate of Social Welfare through the respective Deputy Collector. The Deputy Collector, after endorsing the application, will forward it to the Directorate of Social Welfare for the organization of buses through Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited.
Transportation will be arranged for a minimum of 40 senior citizens, and the tour will be a one-day excursion. Senior citizens are eligible to benefit from visiting temples, churches, mosques, and other places within Goa, regardless of their income status.
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana FAQs
What is Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana?
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana is a pilgrimage scheme for the senior citizens of the state. Under this scheme, they can avail a facility to visit temples, churches, mosques, and other locations within or outside the state of Goa. The whole trip will be sanctioned by the state government.
What must be the minimum age to apply for the Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana?
As this scheme is for senior citizens, the minimum age to apply for the Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana is 60 years.
Can I carry one attendant with me throughout the trip?
As of now, there is no provision for carrying any attendant, however, you can ask the authorities for that. You may have to bear all the expenses of the attendant that is going to be with you.
