Puri, May 29: In a major welfare move, the Odisha government has launched the Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana, a ₹1,170 crore initiative aimed at sponsoring pilgrimage trips to the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri for nearly 950,000 devotees over the next five years.
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The scheme, announced recently, is specifically designed for citizens aged 50 years and above, as well as widows, particularly from economically weaker sections of society. In a significant departure from previous programmes, beneficiaries will not have to bear any financial burden. Depending on the location of the pilgrims, the state will spend between ₹6,700 and ₹17,000 per person.
The selection of beneficiaries will be carried out through a lottery system, with district administrations tasked with handling the travel arrangements and logistical support. Government officials describe the initiative as a step towards promoting spiritual well-being and cultural pride among the state's population.
However, the announcement has drawn criticism from members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), who argue that the targeted number of beneficiaries is inadequate for a state with a population exceeding 46 million. Opposition leaders have also accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of merely repackaging older schemes to gain political mileage.
Political analysts suggest that the scheme could help the BJP solidify its support base in rural and tribal regions, capitalising on the unifying and devotional appeal of Lord Jagannath ahead of upcoming elections.
The Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana is expected to commence soon, with more details regarding the application process likely to be rolled out by district authorities in the coming weeks.
