Expanded Age Eligibility in Dev Darshan Travel Scheme

The state government of Goa has amended its Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana, expanding the eligibility criteria for participants. Individuals aged between 50 and 70 years can now apply for this pilgrimage travel scheme, a significant change from the previous minimum age limit of 60 years. This initiative aims to make religious travel more accessible to a broader demographic.

New Application Process and Requirements

Under the revised guidelines issued by the Directorate of Social Welfare, applicants must apply exclusively through online platforms. The government has developed a dedicated web portal and a mobile application to facilitate this process. Each eligible applicant is permitted to have one attendant accompany them at no additional cost.

To complete the application, individuals must provide a self-declaration confirming they have not previously benefited from the scheme. Additionally, they need to submit a self-medical certificate attesting to their physical and mental fitness for travel, ensuring they are free from any communicable diseases.

Group Travel and Review Process

The pilgrimage tours will occur in groups of at least 750 persons, with transportation arranged via train through government-appointed operators. A sanctioning committee, led by the Social Welfare Minister, will evaluate applications for each trip, ensuring a thorough review process for all potential participants.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting religious tourism and enhancing the spiritual experience for older citizens. By lowering the age limit, the program aims to foster a sense of community among older adults while promoting cultural engagement through pilgrimage.

As the travel scheme evolves, it is expected to attract more participants and contribute positively to local economies through increased tourism. The state government encourages eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity and partake in the enriching experiences that these pilgrimage tours offer.