Gujarat Tribal Pilgrimage Subsidy to Ayodhya: The Complete Shabari-Ram Janmabhoomi Yatra Assistance Guide
Apply online, check eligibility, required documents, benefits, application process, beneficiary list and all important details about Gujarat Tribal Pilgrimage Subsidy to Ayodhya: The Complete Shabari-Ram Janmabhoomi Yatra Assistance Guide.
Quick Overview
Overview of Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme
Sri Ram Janmabhoomi — Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme is a State Government scheme by the Government of Gujarat that provides financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe (ST) and tribal community residents for pilgrimage to Sri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. The scheme was launched in 2023 under the Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat.
The scheme is named in honor of Maa Shabari, a devoted tribal woman from the Dang region of Gujarat who is mentioned in the Ramayan. In the Dang district, local traditions maintain that this forested region corresponds to the ancient Dandakaranya where Lord Ram met Shabari during his exile. The scheme honors this cultural connection while enabling tribal families to visit Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
The scheme is implemented by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board (GPYVB), which manages various pilgrimage facilitation schemes across Gujarat. GPYVB coordinates travel through IRCTC and processes applications and reimbursements for eligible beneficiaries.
Benefits of Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme
The scheme provides the following benefits to eligible pilgrims:
| Financial Assistance | Rs. 5,000 per pilgrim (or actual railway fare, whichever is lower) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) to beneficiary's bank account |
| Travel Coordination | Railway journey facilitated through IRCTC |
| Group Application | Up to 8 family members per group application |
| Priority | First 1,500 registered ST applicants per year |
| Benefit Frequency | Once per year per person |
The assistance amount is designed to cover railway travel costs from major Gujarat cities to Ayodhya. Train fares from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya in 3AC typically range from Rs. 2,800 to Rs. 3,500. The remaining amount helps with local travel, meals, and basic accommodation.
Eligibility Criteria for Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme
To be eligible, you must meet ALL of the following conditions:
| Residency | Must be a resident of Gujarat for 12 years or more |
| Community | Must belong to Scheduled Tribe (ST) or Tribal Community category |
| Age | Minimum 12 years of age |
| Benefit Frequency | Once per year per person |
| Group Size | Up to 8 family members per group application |
| Prior Approval | Must obtain approval from GPYVB before travel |
| Medical Fitness | Must obtain Medical Fitness Certificate from registered medical practitioner |
Note: In 2024, the Gujarat Government extended the scheme on a one-time basis to include an additional 8,500 beneficiaries from non-ST communities, bringing total beneficiaries to 10,000 for that year.
Who Cannot Apply
- Non-residents of Gujarat (without 12-year residency proof)
- Persons not belonging to Scheduled Tribe or Tribal Community category (except during special extended batches)
- Persons below 12 years of age
- Persons who have already availed the benefit in the current year
- Persons without a valid Aadhaar card
- Persons without a valid bank account
Documents Required for Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme
At Application Stage:
- Self-attested copy of Aadhaar Card
- Self-attested copy of Caste Certificate or Leaving Certificate establishing tribal status
- Self-attested copy of Bank Passbook (first page showing account number and IFSC code)
- Self-attested copy of Age Proof document
- Medical Fitness Certificate from registered medical practitioner
- Recent passport-sized photograph
Post-Travel (for reimbursement):
- Original railway tickets (to and fro)
- Valid identity proof
- Accommodation receipts or Dharamshala stay receipts (if applicable)
- 2 to 3 colored photographs taken at Ayodhya Ram Mandir premises (selfies accepted)
Application Fee
There is no application fee. The scheme is free for eligible tribal beneficiaries.
How to Apply for Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme
The application process is fully online through the GPYVB portal:
Step 1: Register on Portal
- Visit yatradham.gujarat.gov.in/SRJApplicantRegistration
- Click "Booking" in the top ribbon, then select "Shree Ram Janmabhumi Registration"
- Provide name, mobile number, and email ID. Create a password and enter captcha code
- Click "Submit" to complete registration
Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Log in using your registered credentials
- Open the Shree Ram Janmabhumi Yatra Application Form
- Fill in all mandatory fields including personal details, bank information, and ST certificate details
- Upload required documents in prescribed format (self-attested copies)
- Tick the declaration checkbox, review all information, and click "Submit"
Step 3: Wait for Approval
- GPYVB will verify your application and notify you via post or through the online portal
- Contact the board office at least 10 days before your intended travel date to confirm arrangements
- Obtain prior approval before undertaking any travel
Step 4: Complete Travel & Submit Proof
- Undertake the pilgrimage as per the approved schedule
- Collect all travel documents: railway tickets, accommodation receipts, and 2-3 photos at Ayodhya temple
- Submit all travel proof documents to GPYVB within one month of journey completion
- Upload required documentation through the official portal for benefit processing
Important Dates for Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme
| Scheme Launch | 2023 |
| Annual Registration Deadline | 31 March of respective year |
| Post-Travel Proof Submission | Within 1 month of journey completion |
| Benefit Frequency | Once per year per person |
| Priority Slots | First 1,500 registered ST applicants per year |
Applications are accepted throughout the year until the annual deadline. Priority is given to early applicants from ST communities.
Important Links for Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme
| Online Registration | yatradham.gujarat.gov.in |
| Official Portal | Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board |
| Phone | +91 79 23250708, 23251862 |
| sectourism@gujarat.gov.in | |
| Office Address | Block 2 & 3, 1st Floor, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Gandhinagar - 382016 |
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