The Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Government of Maharashtra to help senior citizens fulfill their lifelong dream of visiting religious and spiritual destinations. This scheme is aimed at supporting economically weaker elders who may not have the means to travel on their own. Through this program, eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance to cover the cost of pilgrimage travel, allowing them to visit a designated holy place without worrying about the expenses.
For many elderly individuals, visiting a spiritual site is not just a trip – it’s an emotional and life-fulfilling experience. With age, however, financial constraints and physical limitations can make such journeys challenging. The Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Yojana steps in to bridge this gap by ensuring that seniors get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to undertake a religious journey.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, important documents, objectives, and frequently asked questions about the scheme.
Objectives of the Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme
The primary goals of the Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme are:
- Promoting Social Welfare – Ensuring that senior citizens, regardless of their financial situation, can fulfill their spiritual aspirations.
- Providing Financial Support – Covering travel expenses up to Rs. 30,000 per beneficiary, which is directly paid to a government-approved tour operator.
- Encouraging Cultural Tourism – Helping senior citizens connect with India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
- Enhancing Emotional Well-being – Supporting seniors in experiencing peace, joy, and spiritual satisfaction through pilgrimages.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme in Maharashtra, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Age Requirement: The applicant must be above 60 years of age as on the date of application.
- Residential Status: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra. Proof of residence is mandatory.
- Income Limit: The annual family income of the applicant must be below Rs. 2.5 lakh.
- Category: The scheme is applicable to all social categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and others, provided they meet the age and income criteria.
- Beneficiary Limit: Each eligible beneficiary can avail the scheme only once in their lifetime.
Benefits of the Scheme
The Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme offers significant benefits to senior citizens:
- One-time Opportunity: Every eligible senior citizen can avail the scheme only once to visit a designated pilgrimage site.
- Full Travel Expense Coverage: The government covers a maximum of Rs. 30,000 for the trip, which is paid directly to the approved tour operator.
- Comfortable Pilgrimage Arrangements: Beneficiaries get well-planned travel packages, including transportation, accommodation, and meals.
- Stress-free Experience: Seniors can focus on enjoying their spiritual journey without financial or logistical worries.
Destinations Covered Under the Scheme
The government decides the pilgrimage destination for each batch of beneficiaries. While the location may vary, popular spiritual destinations often included are:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
- Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)
- Badrinath and Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (Maharashtra)
- Vaishno Devi (Jammu & Kashmir)
- Somnath and Dwarka (Gujarat)
- Tirupati Balaji (Andhra Pradesh)
Note: The list of destinations changes as per government decisions and availability of tour operators. Applicants should check the latest updates at their district Social Welfare Office.
How to Apply for the Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme
The application process is completely offline. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect the Application Form – Visit the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare in your respective district to get the official application form.
- Fill in the Details – Provide accurate personal details, including name, age, address, Aadhaar number, income details, and contact information.
- Attach Required Documents – Enclose all supporting documents (see list below).
- Submit the Application – Submit the completed form along with the documents to the Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare.
- Verification Process – The Social Welfare Office will verify your eligibility and documents.
- Selection and Intimation – Selected beneficiaries will be informed about their travel schedule, destination, and tour operator details.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following documents along with the application form:
- Aadhaar Card (Proof of Identity)
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, or Aadhaar)
- Residence Proof (Ration Card, Voter ID, Utility Bill)
- Income Certificate (Issued by a competent authority)
- Passport-size Photographs (Recent)
- Self-declaration stating that the applicant has not availed similar benefits from the government earlier.
Selection Process
The selection of beneficiaries is done based on:
- Age priority (older applicants may get preference)
- Verification of income and residential status
- Availability of slots for the pilgrimage tour
- Government-approved tour operator schedules
Important Points to Remember
- Beneficiaries are not required to handle any cash; payment is made directly to the tour operator by the government.
- The scheme can be availed only once per lifetime.
- The list of destinations may change every year.
- Selection is subject to verification by the Social Welfare Department.
Impact of the Scheme on Senior Citizens
The Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme has had a significant positive impact on the lives of many senior citizens in Maharashtra. It has enabled them to travel comfortably to spiritual destinations they had long wished to visit. This not only fulfills their religious aspirations but also contributes to their emotional and mental well-being.
For many beneficiaries, this journey becomes a cherished memory, allowing them to connect deeply with their faith and culture. The scheme has also promoted domestic tourism, creating opportunities for tour operators, local businesses, and the hospitality sector.
Government’s Vision for the Scheme
The Government of Maharashtra aims to continue and expand this scheme to ensure that more senior citizens can benefit from it. The focus is on:
- Increasing the number of destinations covered
- Enhancing comfort and safety during travel
- Making the process more accessible to rural applicants
- Collaborating with reputed tour operators for quality service
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Chief Minister Tirth Darshan Scheme?
Any resident of Maharashtra above 60 years of age with an annual family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh can apply.
2. Can I choose my own pilgrimage destination?
No. The destination is decided by the Social Welfare Department in coordination with approved tour operators.
3. How is the financial assistance provided?
The government directly pays the tour operator. The beneficiary does not receive cash.
4. Can I apply online?
Currently, the scheme is available through offline applications only at the District Social Welfare Office.
5. How many times can I avail this scheme?
Only once in a lifetime.
6. Is the scheme available for all categories?
Yes, it is applicable to all categories, provided age and income criteria are met.
Useful Links
- Maharashtra Social Welfare Department Official Website – https://sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in
- Tourism Department Maharashtra – https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
- Related Government Schemes for Senior Citizens –
