About Scheme

Tirth Barat Yojana, launched by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, provides government assistance for pilgrimage to senior citizens (60 years and above) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) who are residents of Chhattisgarh. The scheme allows beneficiaries to visit one or more designated pilgrimage sites outside the state once in their lifetime.

Details

Launched on 4th December 2012, the scheme covers 80% beneficiaries from Below Poverty Line (BPL) including Antyodaya and Chief Minister Food Grain Scheme cardholders, and 20% from Above Poverty Line (APL) who are non-income taxpayers. Of the total beneficiaries, 25% will be from urban areas and 75% from rural areas. Pilgrimages are conducted in organized groups, and only selected individuals are permitted to travel. The scheme ensures inclusive participation of senior citizens and PwDs across Chhattisgarh, promoting access to major religious destinations in India.

Key Features

• Government assistance for pilgrimage once in a lifetime
• Covers senior citizens (60+ years) and PwDs (18+ years)
• Beneficiaries selected via lottery system
• 80% BPL and 20% APL non-income taxpayers
• 25% urban and 75% rural beneficiaries
• Travel conducted in organized groups
• Includes major pilgrimage sites across India
• Applicants can include spouses or assistants under defined conditions

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicant must be a native of Chhattisgarh.
- Applicant should be a senior citizen (60 years or above) or a person with disability (PwD) aged 18 years or above.
- Applicant must not have previously travelled under this scheme.
- Applicant should not be an income taxpayer.
- Applicant must be physically and mentally fit for travel.
- Applicant should not suffer from any infectious or serious diseases.
- The pilgrimage will be conducted in groups organized by the government or its authorized agencies.
- Only selected individuals are permitted to travel (no additional persons allowed).

Benefits

Benefits:
- Government assistance for pilgrimage once in a lifetime to senior citizens and PwDs of Chhattisgarh.
- Travel to designated pilgrimage sites outside the state such as Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Puri, Haridwar, Mathura, Vrindavan, Kashi, Shirdi, Vaishno Devi, Amritsar, Tirupati, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, Somnath, Gaya, Kamakhya Temple, Sabari Mala, and others.
- Covers major religious destinations across India for different faiths.

Application Process

Application Process (Offline):
Step 1: Eligible applicants must submit their application forms in the prescribed format to the Gram Panchayat/District Panchayat/Deputy Director, Panchayat and Social Welfare of their respective district.
Step 2: Beneficiaries are selected through a lottery system conducted by the District Collector.
Step 3: If the name of a disabled applicant's spouse is selected, the life partner may also accompany them.
Step 4: Groups of five or more disabled people can apply together as one application.
Step 5: Applicants above 65 years can take one assistant, and large groups can take one assistant per five passengers.
Step 6: The envelope should be marked as “Application for visit under Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana - [Year]”.
Step 7: Applicants must provide two nominees’ contact details for emergency communication.

Documents Required

Documents Required:
1️⃣ Aadhaar Card of the applicant
2️⃣ Passport-size Photograph
3️⃣ Identity Proof
4️⃣ Domicile Certificate of Chhattisgarh
5️⃣ Proof of Age
6️⃣ Residence Proof (Ration Card / Driving License / Electricity Bill / Voter ID / Other government document)
7️⃣ Income Proof
8️⃣ BPL Card or relevant document (if applicable)
9️⃣ Any other supporting documents as required