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In a significant initiative aimed at supporting senior citizens, the first batch of 800 pilgrims left Pune for Ayodhya under the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme. The scheme, announced in June 2024, aims to provide senior citizens from economically weaker sections the opportunity to visit holy sites across India. The special train was flagged off on Thursday by Social Welfare Commissioner Vishal Londhe, with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) General Manager Gaurav Zaa present at the ceremony. Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar also attended the event virtually via video conferencing.
Supporting Pilgrimage Dreams
The Chief Minister, while announcing the scheme, had expressed that there are thousands of senior citizens who dream of going on pilgrimages, such as the Char Dham Yatra—which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath—but are unable to do so due to financial constraints. This initiative, funded by the state exchequer, aims to fulfill those dreams by offering fully-sponsored pilgrimages to selected destinations.
The scheme extends to senior citizens belonging to Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist religions, ensuring inclusive access to revered pilgrimage sites.
Pilgrimage Destinations and Future Plans
The Ayodhya journey marks the first of many planned pilgrimage trips under this scheme. Senior citizens will be offered opportunities to visit sites such as Varanasi, Haridwar and other holy destinations across India. The scheme will be gradually expanded to accommodate more routes, including major religious circuits for multiple faiths.
By facilitating these pilgrimages, the state government hopes to provide emotional and spiritual fulfillment to senior citizens who may have been deprived of such experiences due to economic hardships. This scheme is part of a broader welfare initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Maharashtra’s elderly population
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