Chhattisgarh Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana 2026: Apply Online, Eligibility & 19 Tirth List
CM Teerth Darshan Yojana (Formerly Teerth Barat Yojana)
Applications Open Year-Round
2.48 Lakh+ Beneficiaries
| 🚂 Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Yojana: Free Pilgrimage Travel for Seniors, Widows & Differently-Abled | |
|---|---|
| Implementing Authority | Government of Chhattisgarh, Social Welfare Department |
| Scheme Focus | Fulfilling Spiritual Aspirations of Economically Weaker Sections |
| Application Status | ✅ ACTIVE - Apply Online (sw.cg.nic.in) or at District Social Welfare Office |
| Age Eligibility | 60 Years or Above (Senior Citizens), Widows/Abandoned Women & PwDs exempt from age limit |
| Domicile Requirement | Must be a Permanent Resident of Chhattisgarh |
| Benefit Frequency | Only Once in a Lifetime |
| Exclusions | Those who have availed the scheme before are ineligible; One member per family (under certain conditions) |
| ⚡ DIRECT APPLY PORTAL | 🎯 APPLY ONLINE FOR CM TEERTH DARSHAN YOJANA |
| Official Notification | Social Welfare Department Portal |
| Helpline Support | Contact District Social Welfare Officer | General Info: 0771-2331006 |
| 🚨 CRITICAL WARNING | Pilgrimage site and date are decided by the government | Selection via lottery | Submit self-attested copies of original documents | Beware of middlemen! |
Scheme At A Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2012 (as Teerth Barat Yojana) |
| Relaunch Year | March 2025 (as CM Teerth Darshan Yojana) |
| Implementing Agency | Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Chhattisgarh |
| Target Beneficiaries | Senior Citizens (60+), Widows/Abandoned Women, Persons with Disabilities |
| Total Beneficiaries (2012-2019) | Approx. 2.47 Lakh |
| Annual Budget (2024-25) | ₹15 Crore |
| Trip Duration | 5 to 7 Days |
Key Benefits
Complete Financial Support: Full coverage of travel, stay, food, and pilgrimage expenses by the government.
Spiritual Fulfillment: Enables fulfillment of long-held pilgrimage wishes hindered by financial constraints.
Safe & Organized Travel: Special trains, government escorts, medical aid, and police security ensure a hassle-free journey.
Social Inclusion: Connects underprivileged and vulnerable sections of society with the mainstream.
Detailed Scheme Objectives
The Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Yojana is designed with multiple interrelated objectives for the welfare of Chhattisgarh's senior citizens and needy sections:
Primary Objectives
- To fulfill the spiritual travel aspirations of economically weaker senior citizens, widows, abandoned women, and differently-abled persons.
- To improve the quality of life and provide social security to the state's vulnerable sections.
- To demonstrate the state government's commitment to public welfare.
Secondary Objectives
- To acquaint beneficiaries with the religious and cultural heritage of various pilgrimage sites across India.
- To foster community spirit and social harmony through group travel.
- To promote outbound tourism from the state and connect people with other cultures.
Eligibility Criteria
Mandatory Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Domicile Status | Must be a permanent resident of Chhattisgarh |
| Age Limit | 60 years or above (Senior Citizens) |
| Special Category | Widows/Abandoned Women or Persons with Disabilities (age limit not applicable) |
| Previous Benefits | Must not have availed the scheme benefit before |
| Benefit Frequency | Once in a lifetime (one time only) |
| Health Condition | Must be medically fit to undertake the journey (self-declaration usually suffices) |
Special Considerations
Important Note: While the primary applicant must meet the criteria, they can be accompanied by an attendant under specific conditions (varies by circular). The attendant's expenses are usually borne by the applicant.
District Variations: Exact implementation, such as application windows and the selection ratio for attendants, can vary slightly across districts. Always consult the latest notification from your District Social Welfare Office or the official portal.
Priority: Some districts may give priority to applicants who have never undertaken a pilgrimage before or to those from particularly marginalized backgrounds.
Covered Pilgrimage Sites & Travel Arrangements
The scheme covers a curated list of 19 major pilgrimage sites across India, providing a comprehensive spiritual journey.
List of 19 Pilgrimage Sites
| Pilgrimage Site | State | Key Deity/Attraction |
|---|---|---|
| Ujjain, Omkareshwar | Madhya Pradesh | Mahakaleshwar & Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga |
| Puri (Jagannath Temple) | Odisha | Lord Jagannath |
| Haridwar | Uttarakhand | Ganga Aarti, Har Ki Pauri |
| Kashi (Vishwanath Temple) | Uttar Pradesh | Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga |
| Shirdi (Sai Baba) | Maharashtra | Shirdi Sai Baba Temple |
| Vaishno Devi | Jammu & Kashmir | Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine |
| Amritsar (Golden Temple) | Punjab | Harmandir Sahib |
| Dwarka, Somnath, Nageshwar | Gujarat | Dwarkadhish & Jyotirlingas |
| Bodhgaya | Bihar | Mahabodhi Temple |
| Kamakhya Temple | Assam | Maa Kamakhya |
| Sabarimala | Kerala | Lord Ayyappa |
| Tirupati Balaji | Andhra Pradesh | Lord Venkateswara |
| Madurai, Rameswaram | Tamil Nadu | Meenakshi Temple & Ramanathaswamy Temple |
| Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam) | Uttar Pradesh | Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati |
| Mathura-Vrindavan | Uttar Pradesh | Birthplace of Lord Krishna |
| Ayodhya* | Uttar Pradesh | Ram Janmabhoomi Temple* |
| Kedarnath* | Uttarakhand | Kedarnath Jyotirlinga* |
| Tryambakeshwar* | Maharashtra | Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga* |
Travel & Logistics Arrangement
Typical Travel Schedule (Example):
- Day 1: Departure from Raipur/Bilaspur by special chartered train in the evening.
- Day 2-5/6: Reach pilgrimage destination. Local sightseeing via AC/Non-AC buses. Night stay in pre-booked dharamshalas/guest houses/hotels.
- Day 6/7: Return journey by train, arriving back at the origin station.
- Transport: Special trains, local buses for sightseeing.
- Accommodation: Dharamshalas, government guest houses, or contracted hotels (twin/triple sharing).
- Food: Three vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) served at accommodation or train.
- Security & Support: 10-20 government escorts (Social Welfare officers), police personnel, and a medical team (doctor/nurse) per train.
- Medical: Basic first aid, medical kits, ambulance on call, and health check-ups.
- Insurance: Group travel insurance cover of ₹2-5 Lakhs per pilgrim.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Where to Apply
Applications are processed through:
- Online Portal: sw.cg.nic.in/PilgrimRegForm.aspx (Primary)
- District Offices: District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) office.
- Local Bodies: Janpad Panchayat, Nagar Panchayat, or Municipal Corporation office.
Application Steps
- Check the Social Welfare portal or your District Social Welfare Office for application announcements.
- Fill out the online application form or obtain the physical form from the DSWO office.
- Upload/submit self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Application verification by the District Social Welfare Office.
- Selection of beneficiaries via a transparent lottery/draw system.
- Publication of the selected list on the district portal/notice board.
- Selected pilgrims receive intimation about the reporting date, time, and travel itinerary.
Required Documents Checklist
| Document Type | Specific Documents | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Domicile Proof | Domicile Certificate of Chhattisgarh | Proof of residency |
| Age Proof | Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate | Verify age eligibility (60+) |
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID | Identity verification |
| Category Proof (if applicable) | Widow/Abandoned Certificate from competent authority, Disability (PwD) Certificate | For age exemption & eligibility under special category |
| Passport Size Photographs | 2-4 recent photographs | Application form and ID card |
| Bank Account Details | Cancelled cheque or Bank Passbook copy | For processing (if any reimbursements) and records |
| Medical Fitness Form | Self-declaration or simple form (as per current requirement) | Declaring fitness for travel |
Political Context & Changes Over Time
The scheme's journey reflects the changing political landscape of Chhattisgarh.
| Government Period | Scheme Name & Status | Key Actions & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| BJP (2012-2018) | Teerth Barat Yojana (Launched) | Scheme launched in 2012. Approximately 2.47 Lakh beneficiaries undertook pilgrimages till 2019. |
| Congress (2018-2023) | Teerth Barat Yojana (Dormant) | Scheme reportedly remained inactive for about 5 years during this period, with no new batches initiated. |
| BJP (Dec 2023 - Present) | Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana (Relaunched) | Renamed and relaunched in March 2025 by CM Vishnu Deo Sai. ₹15 Crore annual budget allocated. First train with 780 pilgrims flagged off. Focus on adding sites like Ayodhya and supporting Kumbh Mela visits. |
Controversy: The BJP accused the previous Congress government of "cheating" senior citizens by keeping the scheme dormant. The Congress, in turn, has criticized the renaming and relaunch as a political move. The relaunch was a key electoral promise of the BJP.
Comparison with Similar Pilgrimage Schemes in Other States
| State | Scheme Name | Age | Sites Covered | Key Differentiator | Budget/Expenditure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan | 60+ | 19 (Focused List) | Special trains, includes Widows/PwD, extensive security & medical escort. | ₹15 Cr annual; ₹10-15 L/trip |
| Maharashtra | Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan | 60+ | 139 (Very Broad) | All religions, caretaker allowed for 75+, wider choice. | Approx. ₹30,000/person subsidy |
| Madhya Pradesh | Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan | 60+ | 10-15 | Operated through IRCTC, very high annual beneficiary count (15,000+). | State + IRCTC partnership |
| Haryana | Panchayat Teerth Yatra | 60+ | 8-10 | Organized at Panchayat level, uses government buses/trains. | ₹50 Cr+ annually |
Chhattisgarh's Distinctive Features: While other states may offer more destinations or higher subsidies, Chhattisgarh's scheme stands out for its completely free, all-inclusive package delivered via special trains and its strong focus on security and medical support with a large contingent of escorts per trip, making it highly suitable for its vulnerable target group.
Important Considerations & Cautions
Known Limitations & Points to Remember
- No Choice of Destination/Date: The pilgrimage site, date, and schedule are entirely decided by the Social Welfare Department. Applicants cannot choose.
- Lottery-Based Selection: Meeting eligibility does not guarantee selection; it depends on the draw.
- Physical Demand: The journey involves train travel, bus rides, and walking. Pilgrims must be reasonably fit.
- Group Discipline: Pilgrims must adhere to the schedule and instructions of the escort team.
- One-Time Benefit: Strictly enforced. Any misrepresentation of not having traveled before can lead to disqualification and penal action.
Cancellation & Grievance Redressal
| Situation | Provision |
|---|---|
| Trip cancelled by Government (e.g., natural disaster, rail blockage) | Full refund or rescheduled trip offered. |
| Pilgrim cancels due to health reasons (with prior intimation & proof) | Usually allowed without penalty; next candidate from waitlist is accommodated. |
| Pilgrim cancels without valid reason after selection | May be barred from applying for a certain period. |
| Grievance/Feedback | Submit feedback form to escort officer post-trip. Lodge complaints at District Social Welfare Office, on sw.cg.nic.in portal, or via CM Helpline 181. |
Quick Applicant Checklist
| Step 1: Eligibility Check | Confirm Chhattisgarh domicile status and age (60+) or eligibility under special category (Widow/PwD). |
| Step 2: Document Preparation | Collect self-attested copies of Aadhaar, Domicile Certificate, Age Proof, Category Certificate (if any), photographs, bank details. |
| Step 3: Application Monitoring | Regularly check the District Social Welfare Office website/notice board for application openings for specific pilgrimages. |
| Step 4: Application Submission | Apply online at sw.cg.nic.in or submit the physical form at the designated nodal office before the deadline. |
| Step 5: Post-Selection Formalities | If selected, complete any required medical self-declaration, attend the pre-departure briefing, and follow packing instructions. |
| Step 6: The Journey | Report on time, carry original IDs, follow escort team guidelines, and enjoy the pilgrimage. |
| Step 7: Post-Travel Feedback | Provide constructive feedback to help improve the scheme for future beneficiaries. |
Official Information Sources & Contacts
Primary Portals & Links
Online Application Portal (sw.cg.nic.in)
Directorate of Social Welfare, Chhattisgarh
MyScheme Portal (for older info)
District Resources: Search for "[Your District Name] Social Welfare Office Chhattisgarh" for local notices, contact details, and circulars.
Note: There is no single centralized website dedicated solely to this scheme. The main application and information flow through the Social Welfare Department's portals and district offices.
Key Contact Information
| Primary Application Portal | https://sw.cg.nic.in/PilgrimRegForm.aspx |
| Directorate of Social Welfare | Room No. 215, 2nd Floor, DKS Bhawan, Raipur. Phone: 0771-2331006 |
| For Scheme Information | Contact your District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO). Contact details available on the district website. |
| CM Helpline | 181 (For general grievances; can be used for scheme-related complaints) |
| Application Status | Check with the District Social Welfare Office where you applied or on their website. |
Citations & References
Primary Sources:
- Chhattisgarh Social Welfare Department Portal (sw.cg.nic.in, dp.cg.gov.in)
- Online Application Form: sw.cg.nic.in/PilgrimRegForm.aspx
- MyScheme India Portal listing for Teerth Barat Yojana
- Press releases from the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), Chhattisgarh, regarding the relaunch in March 2025 and subsequent train flag-offs.
- News reports from reputable sources detailing the scheme's history, suspension, and relaunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free pilgrimage scheme for Chhattisgarh seniors (60+), widows, and PwD to 19 holy sites, fully sponsored by state government.
Chhattisgarh residents aged 60+, widows, abandoned women, PwD; one lifetime trip only.
Online at sw.cg.nic.in/PilgrimRegForm.aspx or offline at district social welfare office with form.
Aadhaar, residence proof, age proof, passport photos, disability/widow certificate if applicable.
Ujjain-Omkareshwar, Puri, Haridwar, Kashi, Shirdi, Vaishno Devi, Amritsar, Dwarka-Somnath-Nageshwar, Bodhgaya, Kamakhya, Sabarimala, Tirupati, Madurai-Rameswaram, Prayagraj, Mathura-Vrindavan.
District-wise schedules on dprcg.gov.in; typically starts January with special trains.
Lottery draw at district level after application verification; list published online/offline.
No, only once in lifetime per person.
State government covers 100%: train, food, accommodation, medical.
Rs 15 crore allocated yearly for operations.
5-7 days including travel and darshan.
3 free vegetarian meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) suited to local cuisine.
Free dharmshalas, guest houses, or contracted hotels near sites; clean and secure.
Doctor team, nurses, first-aid kit, ambulance in every special train.
Yes, one family attendant allowed free for solo pilgrims over 85.
On dprcg.gov.in, sw.cg.nic.in, district office notice boards, or SMS.
Submit written request to district office 7 days prior; next lottery candidate replaces.
Yes, Rs 2-5 lakh group coverage per pilgrim for death/accident/medical.
10-20 police escorts, CCTV, night guards, railway security per train.
Fill feedback form with escorts or submit online at sw.cg.nic.in; call 181 helpline.
Congress paused for 5 years (2018-23); BJP relaunched March 2025 with new name and sites.
Special chartered trains from Raipur/Bilaspur; AC buses for local darshan.
2.47 lakh (2012-19); 10,000+ since 2025 relaunch.
Chhattisgarh (19 sites, Rs 15 Cr) vs Maharashtra (139 sites, more religions), MP (IRCTC trains).
sw.cg.nic.in/PilgrimRegForm.aspx.
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