Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced that the state's Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana will now cover pilgrimages to Vrindavan, Khatu Shyam, Salasar, and Rishikesh starting August 1. The scheme already covered trips to the Golden Temple, Anandpur Sahib, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
Free Pilgrimage Scheme: What is Covered
Under the expanded scheme, the Punjab government will bear the entire cost of the pilgrimage. This includes transportation from devotees' homes, boarding, lodging, and return travel. The announcement was made by Mann while participating in the "Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv De Naam" programme in Mohali.
CM Mann's Statement on the Expansion
During the event, Mann spoke about the importance of the scheme and made a political point. He said, "The evil designs of divisive forces trying to divide people on sectarian lines can never succeed in Punjab."
"The evil designs of divisive forces trying to divide people on sectarian lines can never succeed in Punjab." — Hindustan Times
Our Take: A Welcome Move for Devotees
In our view, the expansion of the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana is a practical step that directly benefits senior citizens and devotees who may not have the means to visit these religious sites. By covering all costs from home to return, the scheme removes financial barriers. Mann's comment about divisive forces also signals that the government sees this as a unifying initiative across different faiths and communities in Punjab.