Gandhinagar : Norms of Shravana Tirtha Darshan Yojana changed by state government. Tourism Minister Purnesh Modi said that the state government has launched this scheme from Gujarat Gaurav Divas to provide special services of the state government to visit the shrines to the senior citizens of the state. With the desire to dedicate to the development, peace, safety and prosperity of the entire Gujarat of 6.5 crore Gujaratis, the state government has made significant changes in the norms of the scheme, as a result of which more and more elders can get benefit from this scheme. Giving details to the media, Minister Modi said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, this important decision has been taken so that more senior citizens can get benefit from this scheme. Under this scheme, in addition to ST’s super bus (non-AC) at present, ST mini bus (non-AC) fare or private bus fare of 50% whichever is less. In addition to Super Bus (Non AC), ST Mini Bus (Non AC), A.C. Coach, sleeper coach fare or private bus fare whichever is less, the 75% of the amount will be provided. He added that under this scheme, the benefit of pilgrimage in Gujarat was given in the limit of two nights and three days (30 hours), but now the benefit will be given in the limit of three nights and four days. In addition to this, if a person above 75 years of age, who travels alone, they can take an attendant with them.
The minister added that there are other changes in the norms that the elders had to clearly state when they want to travel in the application and there was a provision to travel during the period specified in the application or within two months after approval, otherwise the permission would be automatically revoked. Permission had to be obtained and assistance was not available for travel without such permission, instead of now one has to apply one week before the date of travel and travel within the period specified in the application or within two months after getting permission otherwise permission is automatically revoked. And if you want to travel after that, you will have to get approval again. Assistance will not be available for travel made without such permission. He further said that the application of a group of at least 30 senior citizens for availing the benefit of this scheme was considered valid, instead the application of a group of at least 27 senior citizens will now be considered valid. As well as S.T. Super bus (non AC) / ST mini bus (non AC) or private bus fare whichever is less, the 50% subsidy was there, which is now other facilities besides bus fare assistance. For example, it has been decided to provide a certain amount of assistance per person per day of travel to facilitate meals as well as accommodation. It was earlier decided that if a person submits a self-certified copy of Aadhar card, they will not be required to submit two passport size photos but now the beneficiary will have to submit Aadhar card compulsorily. The scheme has been implemented by the state government to enable senior citizens to visit pilgrimage sites at a reduced rate so that poor and lower middle class people are not deprived of travel to places of worship due to economic constraints.
