Odisha Govt Launches Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana for Senior Citizens and Widows
The Odisha government has rolled out the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana, a welfare initiative aimed at enabling senior citizens and widows to visit the iconic Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries aged between 60 and 75 years, along with widows, will be provided free travel arrangements to Puri, facilitated darshan of Lord Jagannath, and complimentary mahaprasad.
District collectors have been tasked with finalising beneficiary lists at the panchayat level, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
Consent forms are being collected during pension distribution, though officials admit progress has been slow. To expedite the process, collectors have been directed to personally monitor implementation.
The government has set ambitious targets: 5,000 beneficiaries in FY 2025–26 and 30,000 in FY 2026–27.
Beyond its welfare dimension, the scheme is expected to boost spiritual tourism in Odisha, reinforcing Puri’s status as a cultural and religious hub.
Officials believe the initiative will not only support the elderly but also strengthen Odisha’s identity as a centre of devotion and heritage.
