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    Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana 2025 – Check Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process Now.

    RanakMirzaBy RanakMirzaJuly 21, 20259 Mins Read0 Views
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    The Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) is a special programme started by the Odisha government to help senior citizens visit holy places in India. Launched on February 1, 2016, this scheme is a wonderful way for elderly people aged 60 to 75 years to fulfil their dreams of going on a pilgrimage.

    Many senior citizens want to visit sacred places like temples, but they may not have enough money or support to do so. The Odisha government, with the help of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), makes this possible by providing financial and logistical help.

    What is the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?

    The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is a government initiative that supports elderly people in Odisha to go on spiritual journeys. The word “Baristha” means senior, “Nagarika” means citizen, and “Tirtha Yatra” means pilgrimage. So, this scheme is all about helping older people visit religious places across India. It is run by the Odisha Tourism Department in partnership with IRCTC, which takes care of things like train tickets, food, and accommodation during the trip.

    The main goal of this scheme is to help senior citizens, especially those who are poor, visit holy places they have always wanted to see. Whether they follow Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, or any other religion, this scheme is open to everyone. It’s a way to show respect to elderly people and help them achieve their spiritual dreams.

    The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) for this year will commence from 10th September, enabling senior citizens to visit Ayodhya, Varanasi, Madurai and other pilgrimage sites. This year, the scheme will facilitate 10 yatras, each accommodating 800 senior pilgrims. pic.twitter.com/BhZDm7fwMJ

    — Department of Tourism, Odisha (@TourismDptt) July 16, 2025
    AspectDetails
    Scheme NameBaristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY)
    Launched OnFebruary 1, 2016
    Organised ByOdisha Tourism Department and IRCTC
    Eligibility Age60–75 years (one spouse can be under 60 for couples)
    ResidenceMust be a permanent resident of Odisha
    Application PeriodJuly 17 to August 15 (for 2025–26)
    Application ModesOnline (yatra.odisha.gov.in) or Offline (District offices, Block offices)
    DestinationsRameswaram, Haridwar, Tirupati, Kamakhya, Shirdi, Varanasi, Prayagraj, etc.
    BenefitsFree travel, food, accommodation, travel kit, insurance, medical support
    Helpline Number9692569555
    Official Websiteyatra.odisha.gov.in

    Why is This Scheme Important?

    In India, going on a pilgrimage is a big part of many people’s lives. For senior citizens, visiting places like Varanasi, Tirupati, or Shirdi is often a lifelong wish. However, many elderly people cannot afford the cost of travel, stay, or food. Some may also find it hard to travel alone because of their age or health. The BNTYY scheme solves these problems by:

    • Paying for the trip: The government covers the cost of travel, food, and accommodation.
    • Providing safety: IRCTC ensures that the journey is safe and comfortable.
    • Helping everyone: The scheme is open to people of all religions and regions in Odisha.
    • Supporting the elderly: It shows that the government cares about senior citizens and their happiness.

    Since it started, the scheme has helped over 37,555 senior citizens go on 40 trips across India, with 7,967 people travelling in 2024–25 alone.

    Eligibility criteria for the Scheme

    Not everyone can join this scheme. There are some rules to make sure the right people get the benefits. Here’s who can apply:

    • Age: You must be between 60 and 75 years old. If a married couple applies together, one person can be younger than 60.
    • Residence: You must live in Odisha and be a permanent resident of the state.
    • Health: You should be fit enough to travel and not have any contagious diseases. A medical fitness certificate is needed.
    • Economic Status: The scheme gives priority to people who are poor or from economically weaker sections. You may need to show documents like a ration card or pension certificate to prove this.
    • One-Time Benefit: You can only use this scheme once in your lifetime.
    • Attendant: If you are over 70 years old, you can bring an adult attendant (18 years or older) to help you. The attendant must pay 50% of the travel cost.

    Also Read – CM Kisan Odisha 2025 – Know the benefits & Next installment date

    How to Apply for the Scheme

    Applying for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is easy. You can do it online or offline. Here’s how:

    Online Application

    1. Visit the official website: Go to yatra.odisha.gov.in.
    2. Register: Create an account using your email ID and phone number.
    3. Fill the Form: Enter details like your name, age, address, and contact information.
    4. Upload Documents: You’ll need to upload scanned copies of documents like:
      • Aadhar card or any ID proof
      • Address proof
      • Medical fitness certificate
      • Two passport-sized photos
      • Proof of economic status (like a ration card)
    5. Choose a Destination: Select the pilgrimage place you want to visit from the list provided.
    6. Submit: Check your details and submit the form. You’ll get a confirmation number.

    Offline Application

    1. Get the Form: You can pick up the application form (in English or Odia) from:
      • District Collector’s office
      • Block or Tehsil office
      • Gram Panchayat office
      • District Tourist office
    2. Fill the Form: Write your details carefully.
    3. Attach Documents: Include the same documents as mentioned above.
    4. Submit: Hand over the form to the District Collector or any designated office before the deadline.

    The application period for 2025–26 is from July 17 to August 15. If there are more applicants than spots available, a lottery system is used to select participants fairly.

    Benefits of the Scheme

    The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana takes care of almost everything to make the pilgrimage comfortable and safe. Here’s what you get:

    • Travel: The government arranges transport from your village or district headquarters to the railway station and back. IRCTC takes care of train travel to the pilgrimage sites.
    • Food: You get vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner) and drinking water during the trip.
    • Accommodation: Comfortable places to stay are provided near the pilgrimage sites.
    • Travel Kit: IRCTC gives you a kit with useful items like:
      • Toothbrush and toothpaste
      • Coconut oil, shampoo, soap
      • Bedsheet, blanket, towel, hand napkin
      • Cap, comb, mirror, identity card
      • A bag with the Odisha Tourism logo
    • Safety and Support: The trip includes travel insurance, tour guides, and medical help if needed.
    • Extra Services: If you want something extra (like special food or services), you’ll need to pay for it yourself.

    Popular Pilgrimage Destinations

    The scheme allows senior citizens to visit some of India’s most famous religious places. Some of these include:

    • Rameswaram: A sacred town in Tamil Nadu with a famous temple of Lord Shiva.
    • Haridwar: A holy city in Uttarakhand where the Ganga River is worshipped.
    • Tirupati: A famous temple in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
    • Kamakhya: A powerful temple in Assam dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya.
    • Shirdi: The home of Sai Baba in Maharashtra.
    • Varanasi: One of the holiest cities for Hindus, known for its temples and the Ganga River.
    • Prayagraj: A city in UP famous for the Kumbh Mela and the meeting point of three rivers.

    These places are important for people of different faiths, and the scheme ensures that everyone gets a chance to visit them.

    How Are Pilgrims Selected?

    The selection process is fair and transparent. Here’s how it works:

    1. Application Review: A district-level team checks all applications to make sure they are complete and meet the eligibility rules.
    2. Lottery System: If there are too many applicants, a random lottery or number generator is used to pick participants. This ensures everyone has an equal chance.
    3. District Quotas: Each district in Odisha gets a certain number of spots, which are shared equally among blocks and municipalities.
    4. Final List: The District Collector prepares the final list of selected pilgrims based on official documents like ration cards or pension certificates.

    Couples who apply together are treated as one application, which makes it easier for them to travel together.

    Benefits of the Scheme

    The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is more than just a travel programme. It has many benefits:

    • Spiritual Fulfilment: It helps senior citizens achieve their dream of visiting holy places.
    • Financial Help: The government pays for almost everything, making it affordable for poor people.
    • Cultural Awareness: Travelling to different parts of India helps elderly people learn about the country’s rich culture.
    • Respect for Elders: The scheme shows that the government values senior citizens and their wishes.
    • Safe and Comfortable: With IRCTC’s support, the journey is well-organised and safe.

    Challenges and Things to Keep in Mind

    While the scheme is very helpful, there are a few things to remember:

    • Health Check: You must be fit to travel, so get a medical certificate from a doctor.
    • One-Time Opportunity: You can only use this scheme once, so choose your destination carefully.
    • Deadlines: Make sure to apply before the last date (August 15 for 2025–26).
    • Attendant Costs: If you need an attendant, they will have to pay half the travel cost.
    • Follow Rules: Pilgrims must listen to IRCTC officials and behave well during the trip.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What is the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
      It is a scheme by the Odisha government to help senior citizens aged 60–75 visit holy places in India for free.
    2. Who can apply for this scheme?
      Senior citizens living in Odisha, aged 60–75, who are fit to travel and preferably from economically weaker sections.
    3. Can I apply if I am not Hindu?
      Yes, the scheme is open to people of all religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and others.
    4. How many times can I use this scheme?
      You can use it only once in your lifetime.
    5. What documents do I need to apply?
      You need an Aadhar card, address proof, medical fitness certificate, two photos, and proof of economic status (like a ration card).
    6. Can I bring someone with me?
      If you are over 70, you can bring an adult attendant (18+ years), but they must pay 50% of the travel cost.
    7. How do I know if I am selected?
      Selected pilgrims are chosen through a lottery system, and the final list is shared by the District Collector.
    8. What happens if I get sick during the trip?
      The scheme provides medical support and travel insurance to help you in case of emergencies.
    9. Can I choose any pilgrimage destination?
      You can choose from a list of places like Rameswaram, Tirupati, Varanasi, Shirdi, and others provided by the scheme.
    10. Where can I get more information?
      Visit yatra.odisha.gov.in or call the helpline at 9692569555.

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