UP News: Yogi Government’s Big Initiative – Devotees to Get Religious Tour Support, ₹10,000 Grant

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a significant step to fulfill the spiritual aspirations of Buddhist and Sikh devotees by announcing two new pilgrimage schemes. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Department of Religious Affairs on Saturday at his official residence, CM Yogi said that pilgrimages have always been a medium of spiritual upliftment and social harmony in Indian culture. Therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to help citizens reach places connected to their faith.

Financial Assistance for Pilgrims

CM Yogi announced the launch of two new schemes:

• “Bauddh Teerth Darshan Yojana” for Buddhist pilgrims
• “Panch Takhth Yatra Yojana” for Sikh devotees

Under these schemes, financial support will be provided to help pilgrims easily visit major religious sites associated with their beliefs. Each selected individual will receive a minimum grant of ₹10,000.

Priority to Buddhist Monks

The Chief Minister directed officials to prioritize Buddhist monks when selecting beneficiaries under the Bauddh Teerth Darshan Yojana. The scheme is designed to help Hindu and Buddhist devotees from Uttar Pradesh visit various important Buddhist pilgrimage sites across the country.

For Sikh devotees, the Panch Takhth Yatra Yojana will facilitate visits to the five sacred “Takht Sahibs” of Sikhism:

1. Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab
2. Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib), Punjab
3. Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab
4. Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra
5. Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Bihar

Fully Online Application Process

CM Yogi has instructed that the application process for both schemes must be entirely online. Transparent selection processes will be ensured, with preference given to individuals from economically weaker sections.

Both schemes will be implemented in collaboration with IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), ensuring convenience, safety, and respect for religious sentiments of the pilgrims.

Promoting Religious Harmony and Tourism

These initiatives align with Uttar Pradesh’s inclusive development policy and the central vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” The government believes these pilgrimage schemes will not only strengthen interfaith harmony but also give a significant boost to religious tourism and national integration under the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”