The Punjab Cupboard’s approval for organising the Punjab Tirth Yatra Samiti will pave the way in which for accommodating 4 people in authorities, entitling them to official bungalows at par with the Chief Secretary and Secretaries, together with journey allowances.
At its assembly on Thursday, the Cupboard endorsed the federal government’s proposal to determine the Samiti, which is able to comprise 4 members, together with a chairperson and three different members. The chairperson will probably be entitled to an official bungalow allotted to Chief Secretary-level officers within the Punjab authorities, whereas the three members will probably be supplied homes designated for Secretary-level officers.
In keeping with the memorandum offered to the Cupboard, all 4 members may even obtain journey allowances. Nevertheless, they won’t be given any wage or honorarium, as these are honorary positions.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will appoint the 4 members, whose tenure will probably be co-terminus with that of the Punjab authorities, as per the Cupboard memorandum. The formation of the Samiti follows Aam Aadmi Get together’s (AAP) current electoral defeat in Delhi and amid opposition claims that rejected leaders from Delhi are being accommodated in Punjab.
Just lately, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has been visiting colleges in Punjab, and it’s learnt that former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain may even be visiting Aam Aadmi Clinics within the state.
A authorities assertion on Thursday stated the Cupboard authorized the formation of the “Punjab Tirth Yatra Samiti” to facilitate handy pilgrimages for Punjab residents by air, rail, highway, or different means, in coordination with varied departments below the Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra Scheme.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema advised the media that the committee will determine extra pilgrimage websites below the state-run scheme and guarantee comfy journey preparations for pilgrims via varied modes of transport. The federal government has additionally shifted the executive management of the scheme from the Transport Division to the Income and Rehabilitation Division.
Story continues under this advert
Sources stated that whereas the Division of Common Administration allots official residences, the Income and Rehabilitation Division has a pool of autos utilized by the Division of Rural Growth and Panchayats and chairpersons of cooperative societies, amongst others. A senior AAP authorities functionary stated the scheme was moved to the Income Division as a result of “faith” falls below its jurisdiction.
Senior Punjab AAP spokesperson Neel Garg stated the change was made to reinforce the scheme’s effectiveness and profit extra individuals. “That’s the reason it has been shifted to the Income Division. The Samiti, as soon as constituted, will make sure the scheme’s advantages attain the utmost variety of individuals. It’s about monitoring,” he stated. Beforehand, Deputy Commissioners of respective districts chosen the pilgrims.
The Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra Scheme, launched in 2023-24, has thus far facilitated journey for round 34,000 pilgrims to numerous spiritual websites by practice and bus. The federal government funds their journey, meals, and lodging. Pilgrims go to locations reminiscent of Gurdwara Hazur Sahib in Nanded (Maharashtra), Patna Sahib, Banaras, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Ajmer Sharif.
Journey is organized in three-tier AC coaches, and the IRCTC supplies lodging in finances inns on a twin/triple sharing foundation. Meals are served throughout journey and at locations of keep. Buses transport pilgrims from railway stations to shrines and lodging.
Story continues under this advert
Different pilgrimage locations linked by buses embrace Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Damdama Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo in Punjab; Mata Chintpurni, Mata Jawalaji, and Mata Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh; Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu; and Khatu Shyam Ji and Salasar Dham in Rajasthan. Evening stays are organised in AC dharamshalas and yatri niwas.
