UP to launch Buddhist, Sikh pilgrimage schemes with Rs 10,000 aid per person: CM Yogi Adityanath

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday directed officials to launch two new pilgrimage assistance schemes - the 'Buddhist Tirtha Darshan Yojana' and the 'Panch Takht Yatra Yojana' - to facilitate spiritual travel for Buddhist and Sikh devotees, the state government said in a statement.

In a review meeting, Adityanath said pilgrimages are a means of spiritual upliftment and social harmony, and it is the government's responsibility to assist citizens in reaching places associated with their faith.

Under the 'Buddhist Tirtha Darshan Yojana', financial assistance will be provided to Buddhist devotees, especially monks, to visit key pilgrimage sites across India.

Similarly, the 'Panch Takht Yatra Yojana' will enable Sikh devotees from Uttar Pradesh to visit the five holy Takht Sahib sites -- Shri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Akal Takht Sahib, Shri Damdama Sahib, Shri Takht Sachkhand Shri Hazur Sahib, and Shri Harmandir Ji Sahib (Patna Sahib).

In both schemes, devotees will receive a minimum grant of Rs 10,000 per person.

The chief minister directed that the application process be kept entirely online, with priority given to people from economically weaker sections. The schemes will be operated in collaboration with IRCTC.

Emphasising the importance of safety, convenience and religious faith, Adityanath said the initiatives would further the spirit of inclusive development and promote national integration under the vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.