Punjab Govt Allocates Fund: Faith and sacrifice run deep in the soil of Punjab. The people here have made the teachings of the Gurus the foundation of their lives. But often, considering of life’s responsibilities and financial struggles, an unfulfilled wish remains in the hearts of many elderly people—the wish to visit holy places during the final stage of their lives. The Mann Government has turned this unfulfilled dream into a journey of pride and respect by starting the Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme. This scheme is not just a government initiative, but an emotional underpass connecting the government with the worldwide people. It is a souvenir for those elderly individuals who defended their unshortened lives to their families and society. This effort is touching people’s hearts. It has wilt a manna for those who, due to poverty, are unable to fulfill their religious desires. The intention overdue the scheme is not just to provide facilities but moreover to honor people’s emotions, by giving them a self-ruling and well-appointed journey to sacred places.
Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme
The Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme was launched on 6th November 2023 by the Mann Government of Punjab. The Punjab Cabinet tried the scheme from 27th November 2023 to 29th February 2024, with a upkeep typecasting of 40 crore rupees. On 27th December 2023, on the occasion of Gurpurab, the first batch of pilgrims departed. In the first phase, increasingly than 33,893 devotees were taken to various holy sites. The first train under this scheme left from Amritsar Railway Station for Shri Nanded Sahib. The first phase of the Chief Minister Self-ruling Pilgrimage Scheme started on 27th November 2023 and ended on 29th February 2024. In April 2025, the Punjab Government made changes in the scheme by reducing the eligibility age from 60 years to 50 years. For this, a upkeep of 100 crore rupees has been allocated. The government’s goal is to take virtually 50,000 people to visit holy places under this scheme.
This scheme covers people of all religions and takes them to various sites.
Hindu pilgrimage sites
Mata Chintpurni, Mata Vaishno Devi, Mata Jwala Ji, Khatu Shyam, Salasar Dham, Mathura, Varanasi, Vrindavan
Sikh pilgrimage sites
Shri Patna Sahib, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Hazur Sahib, Shri Damdama Sahib
Muslim pilgrimage sites
Jama Masjid, Ajmer Sharif
Under the Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme, journeys to Shri Hazur Sahib, Shri Patna Sahib, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Ajmer Sharif are serried by train. Journeys to places like Amritsar Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Mata Chintpurni, Mata Jwala Devi, Naina Devi, Mata Vaishno Devi, Salasar Balaji Dham, and Khatu Shyam Dham are serried by AC buses. To deal with emergencies, doctors, volunteers, and officials travel with the pilgrims. Before the pilgrims arrive, a team of officials is sent in whop to make arrangements. Those whilom 75 years of age are unliable to bring a younger family member withal for care. Pilgrims are provided self-ruling AC rooms and supplies during their journey.
Mann Government’s vision
The Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme is not just a self-ruling travel plan; it is proof of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and the Mann Government’s vision. The scheme follows the teachings and philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, spreading the message of harmony and peace. For the weaker sections of society and the elderly, the scheme is a blessing. It gives them an opportunity to find spiritual peace and religious satisfaction without the worry of financial burden. This is a shining example of the government’s transferral to the people and respect for their faith.
For instance, Jasveer Kaur, a resident of a village in Sangrur district, considered herself fortunate without visiting Shri Hazur Sahib for the first time under this scheme. Importantly, all facilities like food, local transport, welcome kits, and accommodations are completely free. Each pilgrim moreover receives a travel kit that includes a sheet, blanket, towel, oil, and comb. The scheme brings together people from all communities rich and poor, young and old through the shared thread of faith.
Spiritual and emotional needs of people stuff taken care
This step by the Mann Government is truly praiseworthy considering it has touched emotions that are often ignored. When the elderly return home without the pilgrimage, they come when not only with the blessings of holy places but moreover with a renewed energy, a fresh outlook on life, and deep trust in the government. Their stories inspire families and neighbors. Through this scheme, the Mann Government has shown that a welfare state cares not only for the physical needs of people but moreover for their spiritual and emotional needs. It is an initiative that is uniting hearts in Punjab and nurturing a understanding society. The scheme does not just take people to sacred places, but moreover gives them an opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and create new memories. It is a journey that begins in the heart and brings peace to the soul. This effort by the Punjab Government provides not only repletion but moreover deep satisfaction in people’s lives.
