Bhubaneswar, July 14 (UDN): The Odisha government has released the guidelines for the Baristha Nagarik Tirtha Yatra Yojana 2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to providing senior citizens with safe, comfortable, and government-supported pilgrimage opportunities to prominent religious destinations across the country.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida unveiled the guidelines at a press conference in Bhubaneswar, stating that the scheme is designed to fulfil the spiritual aspirations of senior citizens by ensuring a well-organised and hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
She said the initiative recognises the invaluable contribution of senior citizens to society and aims to make religious travel more accessible through government assistance and proper arrangements.
According to the Tourism Department, more than 45,555 senior citizens have benefited from the scheme since its launch, visiting several revered pilgrimage destinations across India.
For the 2026-27 edition, applications will be accepted from July 15 to August 14, 2026. Eligible applicants can submit their applications online through the designated portal or opt for the prescribed offline application process.
The department has made available detailed guidelines covering eligibility criteria, the selection process, and operational procedures to ensure transparency and smooth implementation of the scheme.
Officials said the Baristha Nagarik Tirtha Yatra Yojana continues to be one of the state’s key welfare initiatives, enabling senior citizens to undertake spiritual journeys with dignity, safety, and government support.