Nagpur: The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, launched before the Assembly elections, appears to be in limbo. The scheme was put on hold following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and approval for new applications has yet to resume.
Before the elections, 6,500 senior citizens in the state benefited from the scheme and undertook pilgrimage tours. However, despite the formation of a new government in Maharashtra, the scheme has not been restarted, and new applications are not being accepted. This has raised questions: Was the scheme merely an election gimmick?
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In the Lok Sabha elections, the ruling MahaYuti coalition suffered a significant setback. Subsequently, the then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Government announced several schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana and the Ladki Bahin Yojana, ahead of the Assembly elections. These schemes were implemented, providing benefits to citizens.
However, on October 15, 2024, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect due to the Assembly elections, leading to a halt in new applications for the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana under the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance. Even after the Model Code of Conduct was lifted, the government has not resumed accepting applications.
No orders for accepting new applications
Following the formation of the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, there were hopes that the scheme would be resumed. With the auspicious month of Magh and the Maha Kumbh approaching, a large number of people are eager to apply under the scheme. However, government officials have confirmed that no orders have been issued regarding the resumption of applications. They assured that applications would be accepted as soon as directives are received.
Key features of the scheme
• Expenditure Limit: The government bears the travel, food, and accommodation costs for selected beneficiaries, up to ₹30,000 per person.
• Beneficiaries: Till now, a total of 6,500 senior citizens have availed of this scheme.
• Pilgrimage sites: The scheme includes 73 prominent pilgrimage sites, such as Vaishno Devi Temple, Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Amarnath Cave, among others.
Eligibility criteria:
• The beneficiary must be a resident of Maharashtra.
• Only senior citizens aged 60 years and above are eligible.
• The annual family income of the beneficiary should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
As senior citizens continue to await clarity, the delay in resuming the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana has become a matter of public concern.
Leaders from Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had alleged that the scheme is a ploy to garner votes in the Assembly polls. “Mahayuti Govt has been in power for so long, then why was this decision not taken earlier? The reason is that because of their poor performance in Lok Sabha in Maharashtra, the BJP-led alliance is scared of losing the Assembly polls,” said a leader.
