Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana is a significant initiative undertaken by the Assam government, announced during a cabinet meeting on February 12, 2024. This scheme aims to provide spiritual and cultural benefits to devotees by facilitating their pilgrimage to sacred sites. This year, approximately 25,000 devotees will have the opportunity to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya, in addition to ongoing projects that support pilgrimages to other holy destinations like Varanasi, Puri, and Vrindavan.
Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
The Assam state budget for 2024–25, unveiled recently, emphasizes the protection of religious heritage and the promotion of spiritual tourism. A notable aspect of this budget is the significant focus on the development of sattras, the monastic establishments born from the Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement of the 16th century. Batadrava, a revered site, received a substantial allocation of Rs 240 crore for its preservation. As part of the Punya Tirtha Yojana, 25,000 devotees will be facilitated to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Scheme Highlights
- Name: Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
- Approved by: Assam Cabinet
- Launch Date: February 12, 2024
- State: Assam
- Beneficiaries: Devotees
- Benefits: Access to the Ram temple in Ayodhya
- Official Website: Not yet launched
Objective of Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
The primary aim of Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana is to strengthen spiritual ties and promote cultural harmony. With a substantial budget of Rs 25 crore, the project is set to facilitate the pilgrimage of 25,000 pilgrims to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Key Features of Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
- Punya Dham Scheme: The ongoing Punya Dham scheme offers visitors the opportunity to travel to holy places like Puri, Vrindavan, and Varanasi.
- Government Commitment: This year, the government reaffirms its dedication to spiritual development by unveiling the Punya Tirtha Yojana.
- Budget Details: For 2024–25, Assam’s budget stands at Rs 2.9 lakh crore, with an estimated GSDP increase from Rs 5.7 lakh crore in 2023–24 to Rs 6.43 lakh crore.
Benefits of Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
The Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana offers several benefits, including:
- Up to 15% of the loan guaranteed above the 85% CGTMSE assurance.
- Annual guarantee charge paid by the State Government.
- Full interest on the loan covered by the State Government.
- No collateral or processing fees required.
- A moratorium term of three to six months within a four-year repayment period.
Eligibility Criteria for Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age between 18 and 35 years (maximum age for SC, ST, or PwD candidates is 40 years).
- Annual income under Rs 2 lakh or coverage by KALIA/BSKY Scheme.
- Registration with UDYAM.
Exclusions
The following applicants are excluded from the scheme:
- Employees and their families of state, central, PSU, or legislative bodies.
- Defaulters in any bank or financial institution or those with outstanding loans from similar government schemes.
Implementation
The scheme will be implemented through the following methods:
- Applicants will register and submit applications via a special webpage or Mo-Seva Kendra’s services.
- Beneficiary’s designated bank will conduct document and field verification.
- Banks will assist in preparing the necessary DPR during field verification for loan approval.
- A committee at the State, District, and Block levels will oversee the scheme’s execution.
Registration Process
The Assam Cabinet has recently introduced the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana. Although the official website for this scheme has not yet been launched, it will be available soon. We will update this post with any new information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, the general application process for registering for the scheme is outlined below.
- Visit the official website of the scheme.
- Click on “Click here to register for the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana”.
- Fill in the application form with the required details and upload necessary documents.
- Submit the application form.
For the latest updates, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official Assam Government website at https://assam.gov.in/.
Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana is a commendable step by the Assam government to enhance spiritual tourism and preserve cultural heritage. By facilitating pilgrimages to sacred sites, this scheme not only strengthens spiritual connections but also promotes cultural harmony among the devotees. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative initiative.
Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana FAQs:
What is the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana?
The Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana is a scheme launched by the Assam government to facilitate pilgrimages for devotees. It aims to strengthen spiritual ties and promote cultural harmony by enabling about 25,000 devotees to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
When was the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana launched?
The scheme was launched on February 12, 2024, following a cabinet meeting by the Assam government.
Who are the beneficiaries of this scheme?
The primary beneficiaries of the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana are devotees who wish to undertake pilgrimages to sacred sites, including the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
How many devotees will benefit from this scheme in 2024?
In 2024, around 25,000 devotees will be facilitated to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya under the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana.
What are the key features of the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana?
Key features include the provision of spiritual travel to holy places, financial support for pilgrimages, and the government’s commitment to spiritual development. The scheme also aligns with the ongoing Punya Dham scheme, which supports pilgrimages to places like Puri, Vrindavan, and Varanasi.
What is the budget allocation for this scheme?
The Assam government has allocated Rs 25 crore specifically for the Punya Tirtha Yojana as part of the larger state budget for 2024–25, which totals Rs 2.9 lakh crore.
How can I apply for the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana?
Applicants can apply through a dedicated website once it is launched. They will need to fill out an application form, upload required documents, and submit the form online. Alternatively, they can use Mo-Seva Kendra’s services to apply.
What are the eligibility criteria for this scheme?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old (up to 40 years for SC, ST, or PwD candidates), have an annual income under Rs 2 lakh or be covered by the KALIA/BSKY Scheme, and be registered with UDYAM.
Who is excluded from the Assam Punya Tirtha Yojana?
Excluded individuals include employees and their families of the state, central, PSU, or legislative bodies, as well as defaulters in any bank or financial institution or those with outstanding loans from similar government schemes.
How will the scheme be implemented?
The scheme will be implemented through a registration and verification process involving a special webpage or Mo-Seva Kendra’s services. Designated banks will conduct document and field verification, assist in preparing DPRs, and oversee loan approvals. A committee at various levels will ensure efficient execution.
