What you get
- 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 travel kit shall be provided by IRCTC to the pilgrims within a cost as per the MOU signed between the state Govt. & IRCTC for each year. The kit shall contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, coconut oil, shampoo, bathing & washing soap, bedsheet, blanket, cap, towel, hand napkin, comb, mirror, identity card & a bag. The bag shall be properly branded with the Odisha Tourism logo. | - If pilgrims desire to avail of any facility other than that prescribed by the Government during the journey, then they will have to make payment for the same. Tourism Dept. / IRCTC cannot take responsibility for the extra services desired by the pilgrims.
Who can apply
Required Paperwork
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Residence Proof (Domicile)
Common Questions
Can a pilgrim avail the benefits of the journey under the scheme more than once?
No, the scheme stipulates that a pilgrim can avail the benefit of the journey only once in a lifetime.
What is “Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY)”?
BNTYY is a pilgrimage scheme launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).
When was this scheme launched?
The scheme was officially launched on 01st February 2016.
What is the primary objective of the Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme?
The State Tourism Department's Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme aims to offer a significant opportunity to the poor and deprived senior citizens of the state.
Who is eligible to participate in the State Tourism Department Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme?
The scheme is designed for senior citizens aged 60 to 75 years who belong to all regions and faiths within the state.
How does this scheme benefit senior citizens?
The scheme offers government assistance to senior citizens, facilitating their pilgrimage journeys, and providing an opportunity to fulfill their spiritual aspirations.
Is this scheme only for the domicile of Odisha?
Yes, the applicant has to be a domicile of Odisha.
Can individuals from any faith or region apply for the Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme?
Yes, the scheme is inclusive and open to senior citizens of all faiths and regions within the state.
Can participants choose their pilgrimage destinations, or is there a predetermined schedule?
The pilgrimage destinations and schedule are pre-approved and organized by the Department of Tourism. Participants will be taken to different pilgrimage centers as per the approved schedule.
What are the fitness requirements for applicants under the pilgrimage scheme?
Applicants are required to have the requisite fitness to undertake the journey. They should not be suffering from any communicable disease that may pose a risk during the pilgrimage. This criterion ensures the well-being and safety of the participants.
Can an attendant accompany applicants, and under what conditions?
Yes, under the scheme, an attendant can accompany applicants who are above 70 years of age. The inclusion of an attendant aims to provide additional support and assistance to elderly pilgrims during their journey.
How does the application process work for an attendant?
The application for an attendant should be a joint application with the prospective pilgrim. Both the pilgrim and the attendant need to submit their applications together. Additionally, the attendant is required to pay 50% of the travel cost through a Bank Draft drawn on scheduled banks in favor of the Director, Tourism, payable at Bhubaneswar along with the joint application.
Is there an age requirement for attendants?
Yes, the attendant accompanying the applicant should be over 18 years of age.
How can an applicant apply online under the scheme?
The applicants visit and apply through the official website of the Department of Tourism, Odisha: https://yatra.odisha.gov.in/.