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

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.

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.

How to Get the Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Form PDF?

The application form for the BNTYY scheme is available in two languages: Odia and English. You can download it online or get it from government offices. Here’s how you can get the form:

1. Online Download:
   • Visit the official website: yatra.odisha.gov.in or dot.odisha.gov.in.
   • Look for the “Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana” section.
   • Find the “Download” tab and choose either the Odia Form or English Form.
   • Click the link to download the PDF. For example:
     • English Form: Download English Form
     • Odia Form: Download Odia Form
   • Save the PDF, print it, and fill it out.
2. Offline Download:
   • Visit your nearest District Collector’s office, Block office, Tehsil office, or Gram Panchayat office.
   • Ask for the BNTYY application form in Odia or English.
   • Fill out the form and submit it to the same office.
3. Online Application:
   • Go to yatra.odisha.gov.in.
   • Create an account with your email and phone number.
   • Log in, fill out the online form, and upload the required documents.
   • Choose your preferred pilgrimage destination and submit the form.

After submitting, you’ll get a confirmation number to track your application.

How to Check the Status of Your BNTYY Application

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to check your application status:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Odisha Tourism Department at yatra.odisha.gov.in. This is the main portal for all BNTYY-related information.
2. Find the Status Check Option: On the homepage, look for a section called “Check Application Status” or something similar. It might be under the “BNTYY” or “Pilgrimage Scheme” tab.
3. Enter Your Details: You’ll need to provide details like your application number, name, or other identification details (like your Aadhaar number or mobile number). Make sure you have these details ready.
4. Submit and View Status: After entering the required information, click “Submit.” The website will show whether your application is approved, pending, or rejected. If approved, you’ll also see details about your pilgrimage, like the date and destination.
5. Contact the Helpline if Needed: If you face any issues or can’t find the status online, you can call the BNTYY helpline at 9692569555 for assistance.

Please note: The status check feature is currently unavailable on the portal. Kindly revisit after the application deadline for updates.

If you applied offline (by submitting a form at the District Collector’s office, Block office, or Gram Panchayat), you might need to visit the same office to check your status. They will have a list of selected candidates.

How to Check the Beneficiary List Using the Official URL

To check the beneficiary list for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, you can use the specific URL provided by the Odisha Tourism Department: https://dot.odisha.gov.in/node/176170. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the URL: Type or paste https://dot.odisha.gov.in/node/176170 into your web browser and press “Enter.” This link takes you to a page related to the BNTYY scheme on the Department of Tourism website.
2. Locate the Beneficiary List: On this page, look for a section or link titled “Beneficiary List,” “Selected Candidates,” or “BNTYY 2025–26 Beneficiaries.” It might be a downloadable PDF file or a searchable list.
3. Search for Your Name: If the beneficiary list is a PDF, download it and open it on your device. Use the search function (Ctrl+F on a computer or the search icon on a mobile device) to find your name or application number. If it’s an online list, you may need to enter your application number or other details to check.
4. Verify Details: If your name is on the list, note down important details like the pilgrimage date, destination, and any instructions provided.
5. Contact for Clarification: If you can’t find the list or your name, contact the helpline at 9692569555 or visit your local District Collector’s office for assistance.

Note: The URL https://dot.odisha.gov.in/node/176170 may contain specific announcements or updates about the scheme. If the beneficiary list is not directly available on this page, check for links to related sections or announcements on the same website.

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.