Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana’ for Senior Citizens

Mumbai, 29th June 2024: On Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana’, a pilgrimage scheme tailored for senior citizens from diverse religious backgrounds. The initiative aims to assist elderly individuals who face challenges in visiting pilgrimage sites independently, Shinde announced during his address in the state legislative assembly while responding to a calling attention notice raised by Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik.

“The ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana’ will cater to senior citizens of all religions,” stated the chief minister, emphasizing that guidelines will be established for the scheme. The government intends to facilitate pilgrimage trips for elderly individuals who lack the means or support to undertake such journeys on their own.

Sarnaik, in his plea, highlighted the financial constraints and lack of companionship preventing many senior citizens from fulfilling their desire to undertake pilgrimages, regardless of their faith. He urged the state government to initiate a program encompassing pilgrimage sites across all religions to address these concerns and provide accessible opportunities for elderly residents.