Punjab Cabinet approves free pilgrimage scheme, mentorship programme

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The North News

Chandigarh, April 3

The Punjab Cabinet on Thursday approved a new initiative offering fully-funded pilgrimages for senior citizens, aiming to provide an enriching spiritual experience at no cost. The Mukhya Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme will cover air-conditioned travel, accommodation, meals, and even souvenirs for participants.

Open to all residents aged 50 and above, the scheme is inclusive of all castes, religions, and income groups, benefiting both urban and rural populations. Pilgrims will visit key religious sites, with devotional singing and spiritual discourses forming part of the journey. At the conclusion, participants will receive prasad. The government has allocated ₹100 crore for the initiative, with provisions for additional funding if required. Registrations are set to open in late April, with the first journeys beginning in May.

In a separate decision, the Punjab Cabinet also approved a school mentorship programme under which IAS and IPS officers will adopt rural schools to mentor students. The pilot project will launch in 80 Schools of Eminence, with each officer assigned a school for five years, regardless of their posting location. Officers will guide students preparing for competitive exams and support teacher training, acting as mentors rather than administrators. Participation in the programme will be voluntary, with officers fulfilling these duties alongside their existing roles.