Madhya Pradesh Pilgrimage Scheme

• 17 Jul 2024

Why in News?

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has directed for the expansion of the government's pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens and inclusion of the state's religious places in it.

Key Points

• The Mukhyamantri Tirth Darshan Yojana, under which people visit various pilgrimage sites in the country, was started in 2012.
• The geographical structure of Madhya Pradesh prevents many residents from visiting various pilgrimage sites, leaving them unaware of the unique features within their own state. 
  • The scheme should be expanded to enable senior citizens to visit not only renowned pilgrimage sites across the country but also notable religious locations within Madhya Pradesh.
• The CM asked the officials to: 
  • Prepare a plan for facilitating meritorious students to visit important tourist places of historical importance.
  • Enable visits of folk artists from tribal-dominated areas to the tourist places, where they can showcase their art.

Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana

• It was launched by the Department of Religious Trusts and Endowments, Government of Madhya Pradesh in June 2012. 
• Under the scheme, the state government provides one-time assistance to senior citizens above 60 years of age (2 years relaxation in case of women) of the state to visit a prescribed pilgrimage outside the state. 
• In this scheme, free travel is made to senior citizens of the state.
  • The pilgrims travel by special train, breakfast, food, and pure drinking water, arrangements for stay at pilgrimage places,etc.