‘Dev Bhoomi Darshan’ scheme for senior citizens
Tribune News Service
Shimla, October 30
The state government has started a new scheme, “Dev Bhoomi Darshan”, that will provide free travelling facility for senior citizens above 80 years of age, once in three years, to visit the temples in the state.
According to an official release, senior citizens in the age group of 70-80 years will get 50 per cent concession in packaged tour and those above 80 years of age would get absolutely free travelling facility.
A family member travelling as an assistant with the octogenarians will be entitled to 80 per cent discount in the fare.
The main objective of “Dev Bhoomi Darshan” scheme is to provide comfortable transport facilities to the elderly visiting religious places, with a view to protect them from social neglect and loneliness.
The scheme will be implemented in all district headquarters so that maximum senior citizens can avail its benefits, the release added.
In order to implement the scheme, district committees will be formed under the chairmanship of the respective deputy commissioners, who will complete the other formalities to implement the scheme.
The travel period under the scheme will be about one week and the income of the elderly person should not be more than Rs 1 lakh to avail the facility. The facilities under the scheme will be available only once in three years, a spokesperson stated.
