Goa Govt plans to start a free pilgrimage for the elderly next month

Panaji: As part of the BJP election strategy to target senior banks ahead of the election of upcoming assembly, the state government has started the implementation of Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana (MDDYY) to make a pilgrimage to religious places inside and outside the country, free .
The state government plans to send the first batch of pilgrims before December 19.
This scheme will also provide free transportation to senior citizens who want to visit temples, churches, mosques, and other religious places in the state.
A senior officer said that they had completed three places of worship outside the country.
Shirdi and Trimbakeshwar will be borne under one circuit, while Velanni’s journey will be carried out on another circuit.
Officers said that the government would soon finish religious places in the cave under the scheme.
Recently, AAM AADMI Party (AAP) National Convener and Delhi’s Chairperson, Arvind Kejriwal has promised a free pilgrimage of Goans for Ayodhya, Shirdi, Velanni and Ajmer Sharif if the party forms a government in the state.
“In the struggle of busy life today, people have little time for themselves and their families.
Just a feeling of religious and godly which is sometimes individuals looking for some time peace and happiness,” said the purpose of the scheme.
“It is believed that by visiting holy places, individuals get real happiness.
However, because of its economic conditions, the desire of some people remained unfulfilled.
Therefore, the Goa government tries to help such people, especially senior citizens, to have blessings from Almighty God, “said the scheme.
This scheme will provide one-time travel assistance on a lifetime pilgrimage for senior citizens to holy places outside the cave in accordance with the travel plan decided by the government.
“The pilgrimage will be carried out under the Indian train and tourism catering package (IRCTC) in accordance with the MOU signed by the Government with IRCTC.
The pilgrimage tour will be held for a group of no less than 750 people who want to visit holy places according to the travel plan decided by the government, “the scheme stated.
According to the criteria, people may not be less than 60 years when submitting an application based on this scheme.
Applicants must be a resident of Goa for at least 15 years certified by each representative collector.
The Petitioner’s annual family income will not exceed Rs 3 Lakh per year from all sources.
Applicants must be physically and mentally healthy to travel and will not suffer from infectious diseases, heart disease, heart disease, leprosy, covid, etc., and the same will be certified by a doctor from the Ministry of Health, not below the rank of the Head of Medical Officers or health workers.
Under the scheme, one officer can accompany pilgrims, provided he was over 60 years old.
Preferences must be given to husband and wife, as long as they are senior citizens.
This scheme will also provide free bus transportation to visit places of worship in Goa through Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL).
The route will be completed by the government in consultation with KTCL.
The Directorate of Social Welfare will replace transportation costs to KTCL.
Transportation will be arranged for a minimum of 40 senior citizens, while the tour will be made throughout the day.
Senior residents have the right to benefit from visiting places of worship in the cave regardless of their income status.