Arvind Kejriwal launches 'Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra' scheme; Government to bear cost for journey once a year

NEW DELHI: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched the “Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra” scheme, which offers free travel packages on five religious circuits once a year for senior citizens from the capital. The scheme, approved by the cabinet in July, will benefit nearly 77,000 senior citizens in Delhi.

The cost of the journey will be borne by Delhi government.

At the launch function, Kejriwal said: “Our mission is to give good education to the students of Delhi, our mission is to provide better health facilities and services to all and, now, our mission is to provide the best transport to the people. Our government respects elders and senior citizens. No society or country can progress until and unless it gives respects to its senior citizens.”


The CM said the scheme was launched to fulfil the desire of every elderly person to undertake a pilgrimage in their life. “The scheme is for all religions,” he said, urging everyone to help seniors avail the services. Later, during an interaction with the media, he said: “People of all religions and castes can immediately apply for the scheme. As soon as enough applications for one sector are received, the first journey will be organised. I expect enough applications to come soon.”

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said the scheme would help promote communal harmony and brotherhood. Any resident of Delhi above 60 years of age will be eligible for the scheme and those above 70 years can have one attendant. Voter ID card and recommendation from the area MLA will be must. While the scheme does not have any income criterion, preference will be given to those who are from the economically weaker section. It will be given out on first-come-first-served basis.

The applicant should not be an employee of the central, state, local government or autonomous bodies.