Second phase of tirath yatra scheme begins

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched the second phase of the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana from Dhuri, the segment which is represented by the CM.

This phase has been dedicated to the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur.

The CM said the beneficiaries would be chosen through a transparent draw of lots. A draw was also conducted today by students of Government High School at Bardwal village.

“Each pilgrimage will include a three-day and two-night stay, with devotees aged 50 and above eligible to register. Voter cards will be mandatory for registration. From every booth, 40 out of 100 applicants will be selected through a draw. AC buses, comfortable accommodation, meals and an assistant will be provided for each group.”

“Tirath yatra is open to people of all religions, castes, income groups and regions. Around 16,000 pilgrims from every Assembly segment will get a chance to participate in the yatra. Under this initiative, devotees will be taken to the Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Temple, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Jallianwala Bagh, the Partition Museum, and other sacred sites in Amritsar,” he said.

The CM said this also included visits to Anandpur Sahib and Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh.

The CM further said that the state government was in touch with the Ministry of Railways to extend the yatra to other states as well.

Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal lauded the state government for launching the unique initiative that allows people of all political affiliations to pay obeisance at sacred sites. “This scheme is a boon for those who cannot afford such pilgrimages due to financial constraints,” Kejriwal said. He added that a medical team would accompany each group of devotees and the ‘prasad’ would be distributed after their return.

Cabinet ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Barinder Goyal, along with senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, were present on the occasion.

EOM