Bhubaneswar, 16 July (H.S.): a bid to offer spiritual travel opportunities to senior citizens, the Odisha Tourism Department is set to launch the Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme for the financial year 2025–26. Eligible citizens will be able to register from July 17 to August 15 through both online and offline modes.

Online applications can be submitted at yatra.odisha.gov.in, while offline applications may be submitted at respective block or district administration offices. Applications will be verified by district-level screening committees constituted for the purpose.

Announcing the scheme at a press conference held at Panthanivas Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Prabhati Parida urged eligible senior citizens to take full advantage of the initiative. She shared comprehensive details of the scheme with members of the press.

Also present at the event were Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department, and Smt. Kranti Savarkar, Joint General Manager of IRCTC.

The scheme is being implemented in collaboration with the Odisha Tourism Department and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Complete details are available on the official tourism department website at dot.odisha.gov.in.

Under the scheme, eligible senior citizens aged between 60 and 75 years—regardless of caste or religion—can undertake a one-time pilgrimage in their lifetime.

Applicants must provide proof of economic eligibility by submitting documents such as the Antyodaya Card, Annapurna Card, Widow Pension Card, Food Security Ration Card, or MGNREGA Card.

In case of senior citizen couples, at least one member must be aged 60 years or above. Additionally, citizens aged 70 to 75 years may be accompanied by an assistant above 18 years during the pilgrimage.

District Collectors will oversee the selection of pilgrims as per the quota allocated to their districts. If the number of applicants exceeds the quota, selection will be conducted through a lottery system. A waiting list of 20% will be prepared to accommodate dropouts or absentees.

The Odisha Government will provide all necessary facilities, including transportation from the village to the designated railway station and back.

During the pilgrimage, IRCTC will take care of accommodation, local transportation, food, drinking water, guides, insurance coverage, and medical assistance.

Each pilgrimage trip will be limited to 5 nights and 6 days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda