Karnataka’s BJP Government launched the ‘Kashi Yatra’ Scheme in the month of June 2022. The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, recently launched two websites. Through these websites, pilgrims will be able to apply for subsidies. The two websites are itms.kar.nic.in and sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in. The websites also contain other related information.
The Scheme facilitates 30,000 pilgrims with a cash amount of Rs, 5000 each. With this cash assistance, pilgrims can take up a pilgrimage to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh. Shashikala Jolle, the minister for religious endowment, Hajj and wakf, Karnataka, announced this.
The Bommai Government stated that it had set aside a package of Rs 7 crore for this scheme. The Chief Minister also mentioned this earlier in the budget speech for the financial year.
However, the financial aid is a one-time offer and each pilgrim can avail it only once in their lifetime. The procedure also requires pilgrims to upload certain documents.
The eligibility criteria for a citizen to apply for the scheme is that the citizen should be a native of Karnataka and should age 18 years and above. As mentioned to avail of the subsidy, one has to upload documents such as proof of domicile and proof of age. This would include voted IDs and Aadhaar or ration cards. Bank details, transaction details and Covid-19 vaccination certificates might also be required. Required documents may also include proof of travel such as transport tickets, photos and other bills.
Citizens who undertook a pilgrimage to Kashi between the time, of April 1 and June 30 can also apply for the subsidy, provided they present proper proof. This includes darshan tickets, a waiting lists or pooja receipts.
Jolle also announced a special train on Tuesday called the ‘Bharat Gaurav’. This train will cover places like Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj in UP.
