Malkangiri ,Oct 8 [UDN}: The ‘Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme’ (Barishtha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana) has been launched from Malkangiri district, providing an opportunity for elderly residents to undertake a pilgrimage to Ayodhya and Varanasi.
A total of 75 senior citizens from Malkangiri, accompanied by two officials, will travel from Rayagada by a special train to visit the two important religious destinations.
The Odisha Tourism Department has made comprehensive arrangements for the pilgrims. The facilities being provided free of cost include round-trip train travel, accommodation, food and health check-ups during the pilgrimage.
The initiative is aimed at enabling senior citizens to undertake religious journeys comfortably and safely, with the government bearing the major travel and logistical expenses.