NEW DELHI / SIRSA – In a move to expand the reach of the state’s spiritual welfare initiatives, Haryana Minister Vipul Goel confirmed that approximately 800 pilgrims from the state have departed for Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra. This departure follows a similar large-scale group that traveled from Kurukshetra last week, signaling a rapid acceleration of the state’s pilgrimage program.
Speaking to the media, Minister Goel lauded the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, describing him as a “guardian” of the people’s right to spiritual fulfillment.
Fulfilling the “Right to Pilgrimage”
The Minister emphasized that the Mukhya Mantri Tirtha Yatra Yojana is not just a travel scheme but a mechanism to ensure social equity. He noted that many citizens wish to visit sacred sites but are held back by age or financial constraints.
Scaling Up: From Thousands to Lakhs
The Haryana government has set an ambitious goal for the current fiscal year. According to Minister Goel, the plan is to scale the scheme so that lakhs of people can eventually benefit. The logistics for these journeys are managed meticulously, with the state providing:
- Dedicated Special Trains: Ensuring safe and direct travel to pilgrimage hubs.
- Coordinated Group Travel: Encouraging a sense of community by sending groups from specific regions like Sirsa, Kurukshetra, and Gurugram.
- Comprehensive Welfare: Free travel, food, and lodging for eligible senior citizens (those aged 60+ with an annual family income below ₹1.80 lakh).
Impact on Regional Connectivity
The consistent “flagging off” ceremonies across different districts highlight the government’s efforts to decentralize the benefits of the scheme. By sending batches from various cities, the administration ensures that the elderly from every corner of Haryana—from the agricultural belts of Sirsa to the historic plains of Kurukshetra—get an equal opportunity to visit major shrines like Nanded Sahib, Ayodhya, and Varanasi.
Conclusion
With the departure of this latest batch of 800 devotees, the Haryana government continues to strengthen its “pro-people” image. Minister Goel’s remarks reflect a broader administrative strategy to blend infrastructure development with cultural and spiritual support, ensuring that the state’s progress is felt personally by its senior residents.
Key Takeaways
- Current Batch: Approx. 800 pilgrims departed for Nanded.
- Previous Activity: A similar group was flagged off from Kurukshetra last week.
- Long-term Goal: The government aims to facilitate pilgrimage for lakhs of residents.
- Leadership: Minister Vipul Goel credited the “guardian-like” role of CM Nayab Saini for the scheme’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many people are currently benefiting from the scheme? While batches of 800–1,000 are departing weekly via special trains, the government plans to expand the capacity to reach lakhs of eligible residents across the state.
2. Which destinations are currently most popular under the Haryana scheme? Currently, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded) and Ayodhya are seeing the highest frequency of special train departures from Haryana.
3. Is there a cost for the pilgrims? No. For eligible senior citizens under the specified income slab, the Haryana government covers all costs, including the AC train fare, meals, and local stay.
4. How does the government track eligibility for these trips? Eligibility is verified through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID), which confirms the resident’s age and annual family income.
