Introduction 🌏✨
Religion, faith, and culture have always played a significant role in the lives of Indian citizens. To support this spiritual journey, the Government of Madhya Pradesh has launched a special scheme named “Sri Lanka’s Sita Temple Tour Scheme”. Managed by the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department, this scheme offers financial assistance to state pilgrims who wish to visit some of the most sacred sites connected to Indian history and culture.
The temples included under this scheme are:
- Sita Temple and Ashoka Vatika in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
- Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia 🇰🇭
This scheme is an effort to strengthen the connection between Madhya Pradesh residents and ancient Indian culture spread across borders. In this article, we will explain every detail about the scheme—its benefits, eligibility, documents required, application process, and frequently asked questions—so that you can apply without any confusion.
(Read also: [Pradhan Mantri Tirth Darshan Yojana])
Objective of the Scheme 🎯
The main objective of the Sri Lanka’s Sita Temple Tour Scheme is to:
- Encourage religious and cultural tourism.
- Provide financial support to pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh.
- Strengthen the spiritual bond with ancient Hindu temples abroad.
- Ensure that even economically weaker sections of society can undertake such pilgrimages.
By offering reimbursement on travel expenses, the state government is making it easier for common citizens to explore these international sites that hold deep historical and religious importance.
Benefits of the Scheme 🌟💰
One of the biggest highlights of this scheme is the financial reimbursement offered to eligible pilgrims. Let’s break it down clearly:
- Reimbursement of Expenses 💵
- Pilgrims can get 50% of the total expenses reimbursed.
- The maximum reimbursement allowed is ₹30,000/- per person.
- Coverage of Prestigious Pilgrimage Sites 🌍
- The scheme covers Sita Temple & Ashok Vatika in Sri Lanka.
- It also includes the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia, one of the largest religious monuments in the world.
- Support for Non-Tax Paying Citizens 🧑🤝🧑
- The scheme has been specially designed for non-income tax payers, ensuring that lower and middle-income groups benefit the most.
- One-Time Lifetime Assistance 📜
- Each eligible person can avail financial support only once in their lifetime, making the opportunity very valuable.
(Read also: [Ayushman Bharat Yojana Benefits])
Eligibility Criteria ✅
Before applying, it is important to know the eligibility conditions. To qualify, the applicant must fulfill all the following requirements:
- Native of Madhya Pradesh 🏠
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh.
- Completed Pilgrimage ⛩️
- The applicant should have already completed the visit to the Sita Temple & Ashok Vatika in Sri Lanka, and the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.
- Non-Income Taxpayer 🚫💼
- The applicant must not be an income taxpayer.
- One-Time Benefit Only 🕉️
- The scheme allows each person to claim financial aid only once in a lifetime.
If all these conditions are satisfied, the pilgrim can move forward with the application process.
Application Process 📝
Applying for the scheme is simple but must be done carefully. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1: Offline Application 📄
- Obtain the prescribed application form from the local district administration office.
- Fill in all required details correctly.
2: Attach Required Documents 📑
- Collect all certified records of your journey.
- Attach them with the application form.
3: Submit to District Collector 🏢
- Submit the complete application form and documents to the District Collector, Madhya Pradesh, within 60 days of completing your pilgrimage.
4: Verification & Disbursement ✅
- The Collector’s office will verify the documents submitted.
- After successful verification, the grant amount will be disbursed directly to the applicant’s bank account.
(Read also: [Kisan Credit Card Scheme Details])
Documents Required 📂
To apply for this scheme, applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Passport-size photograph 📷
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card) 🪪
- Domicile Certificate of Madhya Pradesh 🏠
- Photocopy of Passport 🌍
- Details/documents of expenditure incurred on the journey 💰
- Certificate of completion of visit to:
- Sita Temple & Ashok Vatika, Sri Lanka
- Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia
- Bank Passbook/Bank Account details 🏦
- Any other documents as required by authorities
These documents will serve as proof of eligibility and journey completion, ensuring transparency in the reimbursement process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Here are some common questions answered in simple language for your convenience:
1. Who is eligible for this scheme?
👉 Natives of Madhya Pradesh who have completed visits to Sita Temple & Ashoka Vatika in Sri Lanka, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. They must not be income taxpayers and should not have availed this scheme earlier.
2. How much financial assistance can a pilgrim receive?
👉 Up to 50% of total expenses with a maximum of ₹30,000/-.
3. How can I apply for financial assistance under this scheme?
👉 Apply offline by submitting the prescribed form with documents to the District Collector’s office within 60 days of completing the pilgrimage.
4. Can income taxpayers apply for this scheme?
👉 ❌ No. The scheme is only for non-income taxpayers.
5. Is there any deadline for applying?
👉 Yes. You must apply within 60 days of completing your pilgrimage.
6. How is the financial assistance provided?
👉 After document verification, the Collector’s office disburses the amount directly to the applicant’s bank account.
7. Can I receive assistance for other temples not listed in the scheme?
👉 ❌ No. The scheme is specific to Sita Temple & Ashoka Vatika (Sri Lanka) and Angkor Wat (Cambodia).
8. Can I apply more than once?
👉 ❌ No. Financial support can be availed only once in a lifetime.
9. Can non-natives of Madhya Pradesh apply?
👉 ❌ No. Only native residents of Madhya Pradesh are eligible.
Importance of the Scheme 🌺
This scheme is not just about financial support—it is about:
- Encouraging citizens to explore cultural roots beyond India.
- Building a deeper connection with epics like the Ramayana, which has strong ties to Sri Lanka.
- Promoting religious tourism and heritage preservation.
- Providing an opportunity for economically weaker pilgrims to undertake journeys they otherwise could not afford.
(Read also: [Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana])
Conclusion 🌟
The Sri Lanka’s Sita Temple Tour Scheme 2025 is a golden opportunity for the natives of Madhya Pradesh. By reimbursing up to ₹30,000/- of pilgrimage expenses, the state government is ensuring that more people can visit sacred places like Sita Temple, Ashoka Vatika, and Angkor Wat Temple.
If you are a resident of Madhya Pradesh, a non-taxpayer, and wish to connect with these religious and cultural landmarks, this scheme can help fulfill your spiritual journey. Just remember to apply within 60 days after your pilgrimage with all necessary documents.
By combining faith with financial support, this scheme is indeed a blessing for thousands of pilgrims across Madhya Pradesh. 🙏
👉 For more such detailed guides on government schemes, stay connected with mygovscheme.com.
