AI SummaryAssam government's Punya Tirtha Yojana offers a free pilgrimage to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for eligible devotees of the state. Announced by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog while presenting the 2024-25 state budget on February 12, 2024, the scheme covers the full cost of travel, stay and food for selected devotees.
The scheme was launched with a budget of Rs 25 crore to send 25,000 devotees to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in its first phase. It runs alongside the older Punya Dham scheme, which already helps senior citizens visit holy places such as Puri, Vrindavan and Varanasi.
Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
The main aim of Punya Tirtha Yojana is to make it easy for devotees of Assam to visit the sacred Ram Mandir in Ayodhya without spending any money. The Tourism Department of Assam runs the scheme, and the Tourism Development Corporation of Assam is the agency that carries it out on the ground.
Under this scheme, the Assam government bears every expense of the journey. This includes travel, food and stay, so a selected devotee does not have to pay a single rupee for the whole visit. The scheme is being rolled out in phases, and in the first phase 25,000 devotees will be chosen and sent to Ayodhya.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana |
| Announced By | Assam government (Finance Minister Ajanta Neog) |
| Launched On | February 12, 2024 |
| State | Assam |
| Beneficiaries | Devotees of Assam |
| Benefits | Free visit to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya (travel, stay and food) |
| Budget | Rs 25 crore (first phase) |
| Implementing Department | Tourism Department, Assam |
| Implementing Agency | Tourism Development Corporation, Assam |
| Application Mode | Offline (district offices) |
Features of Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
The scheme brings a few clear benefits for devotees of Assam who wish to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
- The Assam government arranges a completely free visit to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for selected devotees, covering travel, food and stay.
- In the first phase, 25,000 devotees will be selected and sent for the pilgrimage, with a budget of Rs 25 crore set aside for the purpose.
- Preference in selection is given to senior citizens and physically challenged people, and only devotees who are medically fit to travel are allowed.
- The scheme runs alongside the Punya Dham scheme, which already helps senior citizens visit holy places like Puri, Vrindavan and Varanasi.
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Eligibility Criteria
To get the benefit of a free visit to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a devotee has to meet the basic conditions set by the Assam government.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Assam.
- The devotee's age should be more than 18 years.
- The devotee should have no health problems and must be completely medically fit to travel.
Documents Required
Applicants need to attach a set of documents with the application form to prove their identity, residence and fitness.
- Residence proof or domicile certificate of Assam.
- Aadhaar card of the beneficiary.
- Proof of age.
- Voter identity card.
- Income certificate.
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Email ID and mobile number.
- Passport size photograph.
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How to Apply for Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
There is no online application facility for this scheme. Interested devotees have to apply offline through the district offices of the Tourism Department or the Tourism Development Corporation of Assam.
STEP 1 - Collect the Punya Tirtha Yojana application form from the district office of the Tourism Department or the Tourism Development Corporation of Assam.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form carefully and attach all the required documents, including proof of residence, Aadhaar card, age proof and medical fitness certificate.
STEP 3 - Submit the filled application form along with the documents at the same district office.
STEP 4 - Officials will check the application and documents and prepare a list of eligible devotees. Selected applicants are informed through SMS on their mobile number.
STEP 5 - The Tourism Department then shares the date and time of the journey, and arranges the travel, food and stay for the selected devotees.
For any help, devotees can contact their nearest district office of the Tourism Department or the Tourism Development Corporation of Assam. The contact number of the Tourism Development Corporation is 0361 2633654.
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Punya Tirtha Yojana - FAQ's
1. What is the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana?
Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana is a pilgrimage scheme of the Assam government that arranges a free visit to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for eligible devotees. The government bears the full cost of travel, food and stay.
2. Who can benefit from the scheme?
Permanent residents of Assam who are above 18 years of age and medically fit to travel can benefit. Preference is given to senior citizens and physically challenged people.
3. How can I apply for the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana?
There is no online application. You have to collect the application form from the district office of the Tourism Department or the Tourism Development Corporation of Assam, fill it and submit it with the required documents.
4. What are the key features of the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana?
The scheme sends 25,000 devotees to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya free of cost, with a budget of Rs 25 crore. It runs alongside the Punya Dham scheme, which helps senior citizens visit holy places like Puri, Vrindavan and Varanasi.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for the scheme?
Applicants must be permanent residents of Assam, above 18 years of age, and completely medically fit to travel. Preference is given to senior citizens and physically challenged devotees.