31st October, 2023 (Odisha Tazanews) Berhampur :-> The Special Train under, ‘BaristhaNagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana’, from Berhampur to Kanyakumari and Trivandrum was flagged off on 31st October 2023.This trip will consist of 970 senior citizens from Ganjam, Gajapati, Boudh, Nayagarh and Kandhamal districts of the State along with 30 escort officers. The train shall ply from Berhampur and cover the pilgrimage centres of Kanyakumari and Trivandrum.The trip was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik virtually.
This is the 5th year of BaristhaNagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana from its inception in the year 2016-17. The scheme was launched by State Government to enable the poor and deprived Senior Citizens of the State for realization of their lifelong dream of having one Tirtha Yatra (Pilgrimage) to fulfilment of their spiritual aspirations with the support of the State Government.
So far, 20 such trips have organized in collaboration with IRCTC under this Yojana benefiting more than 19,644 Senior Citizens having age group of 60 to 75 years of the State. In the current Financial Year,10 such trips are scheduled. Hon’ble Chief Ministerin his message urged the pilgrims to seek blessings for family, friends, and people of Odisha. “The BaristhaNagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is a testament to our values and our commitment to providing a fulfilling and dignified life to our senior citizens.
Our Mo Sarkarinitiative ensures that this trip not only brings spiritual fulfilment to our senior citizens but also strengthenthe national integration of different cultures and traditions”, said Hon’ble Chief Minister. Travel fare, accommodation, food, healthcare and other miscellaneous facilities will be borne by the State Government under this program. Hon’ble MPs, MLAs, Chairman OTDC, BNTYY Convenor, Collector Ganjam, public representatives, District Officials,and officials of Tourism Department were present in the occasion.
