The Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) is a special scheme launched by the Odisha government to help senior citizens visit holy places in India. If you’re a senior citizen or have elderly family members who dream of going on a pilgrimage, this scheme is a wonderful opportunity. In this article, we’ll explain everything about the Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, how to get the application form in PDF, who can apply, and much more.
What is the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
The Odisha government started the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana on 1st February 2016. This scheme helps senior citizens aged between 60 and 75 years visit sacred places like temples, mosques, churches, or other religious sites across India. The government works with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to make these trips safe, comfortable, and affordable.
The main goal of this scheme is to help elderly people, especially those who cannot afford to travel, fulfil their dream of visiting holy places. It’s open to people of all religions and regions in Odisha, making it a very inclusive programme.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Why is this Scheme Important?
For many senior citizens, visiting a holy place is a lifelong dream. However, travelling can be expensive, and older people may face health or money problems. The BNTYY scheme solves these issues by providing:
- Free or subsidised travel: The government covers most of the travel costs.
- Safe and comfortable journeys: IRCTC arranges trains, food, and accommodation.
- Support for the elderly: Medical help, travel guides, and a travel kit are provided.
- A chance to fulfil spiritual dreams: Senior citizens can visit sacred places like Rameswaram, Varanasi, Tirupati, or Shirdi.
This scheme is a way for the Odisha government to show respect and care for its elderly citizens.
Who Can Apply for the Scheme?
Not everyone can join this scheme. There are some rules to follow. Here’s who is eligible:
- Age: You must be between 60 and 75 years old. If a married couple applies together, one spouse can be younger than 60.
- Residence: You must be a resident of Odisha.
- Health: You should be fit to travel and not have any serious diseases.
- Economic Status: The scheme gives priority to people from economically weaker sections (poor families).
- One-Time Opportunity: You can only use this scheme once in your lifetime.
If you’re over 70, you can bring an attendant (someone to help you) who is 18 or older. The attendant must pay 50% of the travel cost through a bank draft.
Documents Needed for the Application
To apply, you need to submit some documents to prove your identity, age, and address. Here’s what you need:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or any government-issued ID.
- Age Proof: Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, or any document showing your age.
- Address Proof: Ration card, voter ID, or any document proving you live in Odisha.
- Economic Status Proof: MGNREGS job card, Antyodaya card, or pension card to show you’re from a poor family.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: A doctor’s certificate saying you’re fit to travel.
- Two Passport-Sized Photos.
- Emergency Contact Details.
- Blood Group Information.
- Bank Draft (if you’re bringing an attendant): 50% of the travel cost, payable to the Director, Tourism, Bhubaneswar.
Make sure all documents are correct, or your application might be rejected.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your form, here’s what happens:
- Application Check: A district-level team checks if your form and documents are correct.
- Selection Process: If there are too many applicants, a lottery system is used to select pilgrims fairly.
- Approval: The District Collector approves the final list of pilgrims.
- Travel Arrangements: IRCTC plans the trip, including train tickets, food, and accommodation.
- Travel Kit: IRCTC gives you a kit with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, blanket, and a bag with the Odisha Tourism logo.
You’ll travel from your district to the pilgrimage site and back, with all arrangements handled by the government and IRCTC.
Destinations Covered Under the Scheme
The BNTYY scheme lets senior citizens visit famous pilgrimage sites like:
- Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
- Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
- Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
- Shirdi (Maharashtra)
- Kamakhya (Assam)
These places are sacred for different religions, so everyone can choose a destination that matches their faith.
Benefits of the Scheme
The BNTYY scheme offers many benefits:
- Free Travel: The government pays for most of the travel costs.
- Safe Journey: IRCTC provides train travel, guides, and medical support.
- Comfortable Stay: You get vegetarian meals, clean accommodation, and drinking water.
- Travel Kit: Essentials like toiletries and bedding are provided.
- Spiritual Fulfilment: Elderly people can visit holy places they’ve always wanted to see.
Important Information Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) |
| Launched On | 1st February 2016 |
| Organised By | Department of Tourism, Odisha & IRCTC |
| Eligible Age | 60–75 years (one spouse can be under 60 for couples) |
| Application Period | July 17 to August 15 (for 2025–26) |
| Application Modes | Online (yatra.odisha.gov.in) or Offline (District Collector/Block offices) |
| Documents Needed | ID proof, age proof, address proof, medical certificate, photos, bank draft (if applicable) |
| Destinations | Rameswaram, Varanasi, Tirupati, Haridwar, Shirdi, Kamakhya, etc. |
| Helpline Number | 9692569555 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
Senior citizens aged 60–75 years who live in Odisha can apply. Married couples can apply together, and one spouse can be younger than 60. - Where can I download the BNTYY form PDF?
You can download the form in Odia or English from yatra.odisha.gov.in or dot.odisha.gov.in. You can also get it from District Collector or Block offices. - Can I apply online for the scheme?
Yes, you can apply online at yatra.odisha.gov.in by creating an account and filling out the form. - What happens if too many people apply?
If there are more applicants than seats, a lottery system is used to select pilgrims fairly. - Can someone accompany a senior citizen?
Yes, if you’re over 70, you can bring an attendant who is 18 or older. They must pay 50% of the travel cost.