The Maharashtra government has been running several welfare schemes for senior citizens, and one of the most meaningful among them is the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana. Also known as the Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Yojana, this scheme allows elderly residents of the state to undertake a free or highly subsidised pilgrimage to major religious sites across Maharashtra and India.
In 2026, the scheme continues to provide spiritual fulfilment to thousands of senior citizens who otherwise find it difficult to travel due to financial constraints. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the Maharashtra Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana 2026 — its objectives, eligibility, benefits, required documents, and the complete registration process.
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What is Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana?
The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana is a flagship initiative of the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra. The scheme was formally introduced through government resolutions in 2024 and has been actively implemented since then.
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| Maharashtra Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana |
Its primary goal is simple yet profound: to enable senior citizens aged 60 years and above, belonging to all religions, to visit their desired pilgrimage destinations without the burden of high travel and accommodation costs. Under this scheme, the state government organises group tours and bears the major expenses related to travel, stay, and food, subject to a maximum limit of ₹30,000 per beneficiary.
The scheme is open to permanent residents of Maharashtra and covers a wide range of tirth sites — both within the state and across the country. Beneficiaries can choose one pilgrimage site from the approved list and avail the benefit only once in their lifetime.
Highlights – Maharashtra Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana 2026
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana |
| Target Beneficiaries | Senior Citizens (60 years & above) |
| Eligibility – Income | Family annual income ≤ ₹2.5 Lakh |
| Maximum Benefit | Up to ₹30,000 per person |
| Nature of Benefit | One-time free/subsidised pilgrimage |
| Pilgrimage Sites | Approx. 249 (88 All-India + 161 Maharashtra) |
| Application Mode | Online / Setu Kendra / District Office |
| Key Document | Medical Fitness Certificate (Mandatory) |
| Implementing Department | Social Justice & Special Assistance Dept. |
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Objectives of the Scheme
The main objectives of the Maharashtra Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana are:
- To fulfil the long-cherished desire of senior citizens to visit holy places.
- To provide financial support so that economic limitations do not prevent elderly people from undertaking tirth yatras.
- To promote spiritual well-being and mental peace among senior citizens.
- To ensure inclusive participation by covering people of all religions.
- To organise safe, structured, and well-managed group pilgrimages with proper arrangements for travel, lodging, and food.
By addressing both financial and logistical challenges, the scheme brings dignity and joy to the later years of many elderly citizens.
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Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To avail benefits under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- The applicant’s age should be 60 years or above.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
- The applicant must be physically and mentally fit to undertake the journey. A medical fitness certificate from a government doctor is mandatory.
- The benefit is available only once in a lifetime. Those who have already availed the scheme earlier are not eligible again.
- Applicants of all religions are welcome.
- In some cases, senior citizens above 75 years of age may be allowed to take an attendant or companion, subject to additional documentation.
Certain exclusions may apply. Families where members are regular government employees, pensioners from government services, or income-tax payers may face restrictions. Applicants are advised to check the latest government resolution or contact the district Social Welfare office for clarification.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
The scheme offers substantial support that makes pilgrimage accessible and comfortable:
- Financial Assistance: The government covers expenses related to travel (by train or bus), accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner), and other related costs up to a maximum of ₹30,000 per person.
- Organised Group Tours: Pilgrimages are conducted in organised groups with fixed schedules, pickup points, and drop locations. This ensures safety and convenience for elderly travellers.
- Wide Choice of Destinations: Beneficiaries can select one site from approximately 249 approved pilgrimage places — around 88 major sites across India and 161 sites within Maharashtra.
- One-Time Full Package: Once selected, the entire tour package (within the monetary limit) is arranged by the government or authorised agencies.
- Support for Companions: In special cases (especially for those above 75 years), an attendant may accompany the beneficiary with proper documentation.
These benefits significantly reduce the financial and physical stress associated with long-distance travel for senior citizens.
Pilgrimage Sites Covered
The scheme includes a carefully curated list of important religious and spiritual destinations. While the exact list is updated periodically, it generally covers major Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, and other community pilgrimage centres.
Popular destinations often include sites such as Shirdi, Pandharpur, Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, and various Jyotirlingas within Maharashtra, along with national sites like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vaishno Devi, Golden Temple, Somnath, Jagannath Puri, and others. Minority religious sites have also been included to ensure inclusivity.
Applicants can choose only one destination from the approved list for their lifetime benefit.
Documents Required for Application
Candidates need to keep the following documents ready:
- Completed online or offline application form (including mobile number of a close relative for emergency contact).
- Aadhaar Card or Ration Card.
- Proof of residence in Maharashtra (domicile certificate, or alternatives such as older ration card, voter ID, school leaving certificate, or birth certificate).
- Income certificate showing family annual income of ₹2.5 lakh or less, or a yellow/saffron ration card.
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a government doctor confirming the applicant is fit to travel.
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
- Self-declaration or undertaking to follow the scheme’s terms, conditions, and code of conduct.
- For applicants above 75 years taking an attendant: additional affidavit from the companion.
How to Apply / Registration Process 2026
Applications under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana are not open continuously throughout the year. Instead, the government or district authorities invite applications for specific tour packages from time to time.
Here is the general registration process:
Check for Notifications: Keep an eye on announcements from the District Social Welfare office, local newspapers, Setu Suvidha Kendras, or the official Commissionerate of Social Welfare website.
Application Modes:
- Online through the designated government portal or mobile application (when available for a particular tour).
- Through Setu Suvidha Kendras, where free assistance is provided for filling and submitting forms.
- Offline by visiting the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare of the concerned district.
Fill the Form: Provide personal details, preferred pilgrimage site (from available packages), and upload or attach the required documents.
Submit the Application: Ensure all information is accurate before final submission.
Scrutiny and Selection: Applications are scrutinised by the district-level committee (usually headed by the Guardian Minister or designated officials). Selection may be done on a first-come-first-served basis or through a lottery system if the number of applications exceeds available seats.
Intimation: Selected beneficiaries receive confirmation regarding tour dates, pickup points, and further instructions.
The entire application process is free of cost. Applicants are strongly advised not to pay any middlemen or agents.
Selection and Implementation Process
Implementation of the scheme is handled at the district level. A district-level committee reviews applications, verifies documents, and finalises the list of beneficiaries. A state-level committee monitors overall progress and reviews the scheme periodically.
Once selected, beneficiaries join the organised group tour. The government or authorised tour operators arrange transportation, accommodation, and meals within the approved budget. Beneficiaries are expected to follow the tour schedule and code of conduct.
Important Points to Remember
- The benefit is strictly one-time.
- Only one pilgrimage site can be chosen.
- Medical fitness is mandatory; those with serious health issues may not be selected.
- Applications are invited for specific tours, so timing matters.
- Always rely on official channels. Beware of fraudulent websites or agents claiming guaranteed selection.
- For the latest list of available tours and application deadlines, contact the local Social Welfare office regularly.
Official Contact and Sources
- Official Website: Commissionerate of Social Welfare, Maharashtra — socialwelfare.maharashtra.gov.in
- State Nodal Officer: Commissioner, Social Welfare, Pune
- District Level: Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare of the respective district
- Implementation: District-level committees
Applicants should visit the official website or their district office for the most accurate and updated information, as tour packages and application windows change periodically.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana 2026 is a thoughtful and compassionate initiative that enables senior citizens to experience the spiritual joy of pilgrimage without financial worries. By covering major expenses and organising safe group travel, the scheme brings immense satisfaction to elderly residents of the state.
If you or any elderly family member meets the eligibility criteria, keep track of local announcements and apply promptly when applications open for a suitable tour. This scheme not only supports religious aspirations but also enhances the quality of life and emotional well-being of senior citizens across Maharashtra.
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FAQs – Maharashtra Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana 2026
Q. Who can apply for the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana?
Senior citizens who are permanent residents of Maharashtra, aged 60 years or above, with a family annual income of ₹2.5 lakh or less, and who are physically and mentally fit for travel can apply. People of all religions are eligible.
Q. What is the maximum financial benefit under this scheme?
The government provides financial assistance up to ₹30,000 per person to cover travel, accommodation, meals, and related expenses for the selected pilgrimage.
Q. Can a person avail this benefit more than once?
No. The benefit is available only once in a lifetime. Those who have already availed the scheme earlier are not eligible again.
Q. How many pilgrimage sites can a beneficiary choose?
A beneficiary can select only one pilgrimage site from the approved list of approximately 249 sites (88 across India and 161 in Maharashtra).
Q. Is a medical certificate compulsory?
Yes. A medical fitness certificate from a government doctor confirming that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to travel is mandatory.
Q. How can one apply for the scheme?
Applications can be submitted online through the official portal (when open), at Setu Suvidha Kendras with free assistance, or offline at the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare of the respective district.
Q. Are applications open throughout the year?
No. Applications are invited periodically for specific tour packages. Interested persons should regularly check announcements from the district Social Welfare office or official website.
Q. Can senior citizens above 75 years take a companion?
Yes, in many cases applicants above 75 years may be allowed to take an attendant or companion, subject to submission of additional documents and affidavit.
Q. Is the scheme available only for Hindus?
No. The scheme is open to senior citizens of all religions and covers pilgrimage sites of various faiths.
Q. Where can one get the latest official information?
For the most accurate and updated details, visit the official website of the Commissionerate of Social Welfare (socialwelfare.maharashtra.gov.in) or contact the Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare of your district.