CM approves pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday approved a scheme under which the Delhi government would take 1,100 senior citizens from all 70 Assembly constituencies to free pilgrimages.

Under the 'Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana', any Delhi resident above the age of 60 will be eligible to undertake the pilgrimage, accompanied by an attendant above the age of 18, whose expenditure will also be borne by the government.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Delhi Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot, while announcing the scheme to the media here, said the CM took the decision in exercise of powers given to the Delhi government by the Supreme Court judgement.

"Those desirous of undertaking the pilgrimage must have a voter ID card and a recommendation from area MLA. There is no income criterion, but preference will be given to those from economically weaker sections on the first-come-first-serve basis," Gahlot said.

Applications will be received online and the selection of pilgrims will be done through a draw.