The scheme “Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana” was launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha on 01st February 2016 in collaboration with IRCTC to help senior...
The scheme offers a great opportunity to the poor and deprived senior citizens (60-75 years) of the State to the realization of their lifelong dream of having one Tirtha Darshan (Pilgrimage) and fulfill their spiritual aspirations, with the support of the state.
This scheme will be offered to people of all regions/faiths.
The scheme is envisaged to help senior citizens over 60-75 years of age to undertake pilgrimage with Government assistance.
> **Facilities for pilgrims:**
The district administration will make arrangements for transportation of the selected pilgrims including their attendants to district HQ and further to the “Starting Point” i.e. originating railway station or directly from home to the starting point and also on the return journey from the “Starting Point “ back to their homes.
Arrangements for stay and food for the pilgrims coming from various districts on the day previous to the actual departure will be done by the district administration of the “Starting Point” i.e. originating station.
Vegetarian Meals, Breakfast, Tea & Snacks with Drinking Water throughout the journey, Road transport, Accommodation in nearby destinations, Tour escorts, tour guides, travel insurance, and medical facilities with professional physicians shall be provided by IRCTC.
The tentative food menu to be provided at the starting point by the Tourism Department as well as during the journey by IRCTC are as follows: Break Fast-8-9 AM- Upama & Dalma/ Puri & Veg. Mix. Curry/Idlee, Sambar, and Tea & Water, (b) Lunch- 12 Noon-2 PM- Veg.-Rice/Roti, Dal, one Curry, one Veg. Fry, Khata, Water, (c) Tea & Biscuits- 4-5 PM, (d) Dinner- 7-9 PM- Veg.-Rice/ Roti, Dal, Veg. Curry & Water.
The t
Eligibility (who can apply)
The applicant must be over 60 years of age & within 75 years of age (except in cases of joint application of a married couple where one of the spouses can be less than 60 years of age). For the computation of age, the last date of submission of the application will be taken into account.
The applicant has to be a domicile of Odisha.
The applicant should have the requisite fitness to undertake the journey and should not be suffering from any communicable disease.
Under the scheme, an attendant can also accompany applicants above 70 years of age. The application of the attendant should be a joint application with the prospective 'Pilgrim'.
The attendant has to pay 50% of the travel cost in the shape of a Bank Draft drawn on scheduled banks in favour of the Director, Tourism payable at Bhubaneswar along with the application.
The attendant should be over 18 years of age.
A married couple can apply 'jointly' for the pilgrimage trip. Their joint application will be treated as one application, but, the facilities provided will be individual. The joint application will be held eligible even if one of the spouses is less than 60 years of age.
Under the scheme, the pilgrim can avail the benefit of a journey only once in a lifetime.
Since the scheme is meant for poor and deprived sections of society, the applicant should mandatorily possess any of the following:
Antyodaya/ Annapurna card,
Ration Card under NFSA
Widow Pension/ Old Age Pension
MGNREGS Job Card
The auto inclusion and the deprivation criteria used by the Panchayati Raj Department which has replaced the criteria for identification of BPL category people and weaker sections for different development schemes c
How to Apply
**Offline**
> **Application Process:**
**Step 01:** Applications shall be invited by the Tourism Department, Odisha by giving wide publication both in electronic and print media.
**Step 02:** District Collectors shall publish copies of the advertisement in different district offices, blocks, Tehsils, and Gram Panchayat Offices for wide publicity.
**Step 03:** The [application forms](https://dot.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-10/BNTYY%20-%20English%20Application%20Form.pdf) shall be made available at the District Collectorate/ Block, Tahasil, Gram Panchayat Office, and District Tourist Offices and also will be available online at [www.odishatourism.gov.in](https://dot.odisha.gov.in/baristha-nagarika-tirtha-yatra-yojana-bntyy)
**Step 04:** A senior citizen desirous to avail the benefit of the scheme should fill up the application in the prescribed proforma (Form - [Odia](https://dot.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-10/BNTYY%20-%20Odia%20Application%20Form.pdf) or [English](https://dot.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-10/BNTYY%20-%20English%20Application%20Form.pdf)) ([Annexure-I & II](https://dot.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-10/Baristha%20Nagarika%20Tirtha%20Yatra%20Yojana%20%28BNTYY%29%20Revised%20Guideline%202018.pdf)) and submit the same at O/O the Dist.
Collector/ Tourist Officer of his/her respective district or any other authority designated by the Collector for this purpose, before the prescribed time-limit.
**Step 05:** Application complete in all respects shall be forwarded/ submitted to the concerned Collectorate/ Dist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana / what is the eligibility?
1. The applicant must be over 60 years of age & within 75 years of age (except in cases of joint application of a married couple where one of the spouses can be less than 60 years of age). For the computation of age, the last date of submission of the application will be taken into...
What are the benefits of Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
1. The scheme offers a great opportunity to the poor and deprived senior citizens (60-75 years) of the State to the realization of their lifelong dream of having one Tirtha Darshan (Pilgrimage) and fulfill their spiritual aspirations, with the support of the state.
1. This scheme will b...
How to apply online for Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
**Offline**
> **Application Process:**
**Step 01:** Applications shall be invited by the Tourism Department, Odisha by giving wide publication both in electronic and print media.
**Step 02:** District Collectors shall publish copies of the advertisement in different district offices, b...