Registration for Odisha’s Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Begins July 17
Eligible senior citizens can apply online or offline until August 15 for free pilgrimage trips to major religious destinations across India
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government will begin the registration process for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) for the 2025–26 financial year on July 17 (Thursday). The scheme, which enables senior citizens to undertake government-sponsored pilgrimages, will accept applications until August 15, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced at a press conference in Bhubaneswar today.
Eligible senior citizens can register online through the official portal yatra.odisha.gov.in or offline by visiting their respective block or district administration offices. Complete eligibility criteria and scheme details are available on the Tourism Department’s website dot.odisha.gov.in.
Launched in 2016, the scheme is implemented by the Odisha Tourism Department in collaboration with IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation). It aims to support elderly citizens in visiting significant religious sites across India, regardless of their caste or religion.
Pilgrimage Trips Conducted So Far
Since its launch, the scheme has facilitated 40 pilgrimage trips for 37,555 senior citizens from different districts to sacred destinations like Rameswaram, Haridwar, Varanasi, Tirupati Balaji, Shirdi, Kamakhya, Mathura, and Vrindavan.
In the current financial year (2024–25), 7,967 beneficiaries undertook 10 trips to sites including Shirdi, Nashik, Dakshineswar Kali (Kolkata), Kamakhya, Ayodhya, and Varanasi.
Eligibility and Required Documents
* Applicants must be between 60 and 75 years old.
* Proof of identity, address, and age (as per Govt. of India or Odisha norms) is mandatory.
* Documents like MGNREGS job card, old-age pension card, ration card (NFSA), or widow pension card can serve as financial criteria proof for EWS category selection.
* In the case of couples, at least one person must be above 60.
* Those aged 70–75 years can take along one attendant (above 18 years).
Facilities Under the Scheme
The government provides:
* Free transport from villages to railway stations and return
* Train travel to selected pilgrimage destinations
* Accommodation, meals, and medical support during the journey
The scheme continues to be a major support initiative for Odisha’s elderly population, promoting both spiritual well-being and inclusive welfare.
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