Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana is a welfare initiative of the Tourism Department, Government of Uttarakhand, designed to help senior citizens fulfil their pilgrimage aspirations without financial burden. Under the scheme, eligible residents aged 60 years and above receive free transportation, accommodation, and meals for journeys to important religious destinations within Uttarakhand and across India.
Uttarakhand Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana |
| Nodal Department | Tourism Department, Government of Uttarakhand |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) |
| Supporting Agencies | GMVN, KMVN, and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation |
| Objective | Provide free pilgrimage opportunities to eligible senior citizens |
| Benefits Offered | Free travel, accommodation, and meals during the pilgrimage |
| Minimum Age Requirement | 60 years and above |
| Residency Requirement | Permanent resident of Uttarakhand |
| Key Eligibility Condition | Income Tax return filers are not eligible |
| Major Destinations in Uttarakhand | Gangotri, Badrinath, Jageshwar, Mahasu Devta, Reetha Sahib, Nanak Matta, and others |
| Winter Char Dham Destinations | Mukhwa, Kharsali, Ukhimath, and Joshimath |
| Out-of-State Destinations | Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Amritsar, and Shri Khatu Shyam Ji |
| Special Initiative | Free pilgrimage trip for the first Shahi Snan of Haridwar Kumbh 2027 |
| Typical Tour Duration | Approximately 4–5 days |
| Application Mode | Offline through the District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) |
| Head Office | Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Paryatan Bhawan, Near ONGC Helipad, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun |
| Official Website | uttarakhandtourism.gov.in |
Introduction of Uttarakhand Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana: A Brief Insight
For many senior citizens in Uttarakhand, visiting revered pilgrimage destinations such as Badrinath, Gangotri, Ayodhya, or Varanasi remains a lifelong aspiration. However, financial constraints often make these journeys difficult to undertake. To help elderly residents fulfil this spiritual wish, the Government of Uttarakhand operates the Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana, a special welfare initiative that provides eligible senior citizens with a completely free pilgrimage experience.
The scheme is implemented by the Tourism Department, Government of Uttarakhand through the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Its primary objective is to ensure that elderly residents, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, can undertake important religious journeys without worrying about travel, accommodation, or food expenses.
Under this scheme, eligible senior citizens aged 60 years and above receive free transportation, free accommodation, and free meals throughout the pilgrimage. The scheme covers a wide range of religious destinations, including Badrinath Dham, Gangotri Dham, Jageshwar, Mahasu Devta Temple, Reetha Sahib, Nanak Matta, Winter Char Dham locations, and several major pilgrimage centres outside Uttarakhand such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Amritsar, and Shri Khatu Shyam Ji.
The state government has also expanded the scope of the scheme in recent years by including Winter Char Dham destinations and announcing a special pilgrimage opportunity for senior citizens during the first Shahi Snan of Haridwar Kumbh 2027. This has enabled more elderly residents to participate in important religious events without financial burden.
One of the most important eligibility conditions under the scheme is that applicants should not be Income Tax payers. This requirement helps ensure that the benefit reaches senior citizens who genuinely need government support to undertake pilgrimage journeys.
There is currently no dedicated online application portal for the scheme. Interested applicants must contact their respective District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) whenever a new pilgrimage batch is announced. For official information and updates, beneficiaries can also visit uttarakhandtourism.gov.in.
Senior citizens can also check their eligibility under the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana, which provides cashless health insurance coverage to eligible residents of the state. Those looking for regular financial assistance may explore the Old Age Pension Scheme, while BPL beneficiaries can also benefit from the Central Government’s Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).
Senior citizens, family members, and readers looking for more welfare, pension, and pilgrimage-related initiatives can explore our complete collection of Uttarakhand Government Welfare Schemes List available for residents across the state.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Under Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana, the Government of Uttarakhand enables eligible senior citizens to undertake pilgrimage journeys without worrying about travel, accommodation, or food expenses. The scheme is implemented with support from GMVN, KMVN, and the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation.
Completely Free Pilgrimage Journey
- Free transportation from designated points to the pilgrimage destination and back
- Free accommodation at GMVN and KMVN guest houses or other approved facilities
- Free meals and basic arrangements throughout the pilgrimage period
- No travel package cost is charged from selected beneficiaries
Pilgrimage Destinations Covered Under the Scheme
The scheme covers several important religious destinations within Uttarakhand as well as selected pilgrimage centres outside the state.
Major Pilgrimage Sites in Uttarakhand
- Gangotri Dham
- Badrinath Dham
- Reetha Sahib
- Meetha Sahib
- Nanak Matta Sahib
- Tadkeshwar Temple
- Kalimath Temple
- Jageshwar Dham
- Gairad Golu Temple
- Baijnath Temple
- Gangolihat
- Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol
- Kalika Temple
- Jwalpa Devi Temple
Winter Char Dham Destinations
- Ganga Temple, Mukhwa
- Yamuna Temple, Kharsali
- Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
- Narsingh Temple, Joshimath
Selected Pilgrimage Destinations Outside Uttarakhand
- Ayodhya
- Mathura
- Varanasi
- Amritsar
- Shri Khatu Shyam Ji
Special Pilgrimage Opportunities
The state government may also organize special pilgrimage batches on important religious occasions. One such major announcement includes providing free pilgrimage opportunities to senior citizens from all districts during the Haridwar Kumbh 2027 celebrations.
Comfortable Group Travel Experience
- Travel is organized in batches under official supervision
- Accommodation and food arrangements are coordinated by government agencies
- Pilgrims receive assistance throughout the journey
- Most pilgrimage tours generally last around 4 to 5 days, depending on the destination and travel route
Important: Beneficiaries selected under this scheme receive the pilgrimage facility completely free of cost. However, selection is carried out according to the guidelines and capacity approved by the Tourism Department for each batch.
Note: This welfare scheme is different from the regular Char Dham Yatra registration process. The benefits are available only to eligible senior citizens selected under Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Tourism Department of the Government of Uttarakhand, through the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), has prescribed certain eligibility conditions for senior citizens wishing to avail the benefits of Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana.
- Applicant must be a senior citizen aged 60 years or above
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand
- Applicant should be medically fit to undertake the pilgrimage journey, especially for routes involving hilly and mountainous regions
- The applicant must comply with all guidelines and conditions issued by the Tourism Department for the particular pilgrimage batch
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Income Tax payers are not eligible to receive benefits under this scheme
- Senior citizens belonging to financially well-off families who fall under the Income Tax category are excluded from the scheme
- Retired government employees are generally not covered under the scheme, subject to the conditions specified in the latest government guidelines
- Applicants found providing incorrect information or false documents may be disqualified during verification
Note: All applications are scrutinized and verified by the concerned District Administration and the District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO). Final selection is subject to successful document verification and compliance with the scheme guidelines applicable for that year’s pilgrimage programme.
Documents Required to be Attached
Senior citizens interested in availing the benefits of Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana should keep the required documents ready before submitting their application. Having the correct documents in advance helps avoid delays during verification and selection.
- Aadhaar Card – for identity and age verification
- Domicile/ Permanent Residence Certificate – proving that the applicant is a resident of Uttarakhand
- Income proof or self-declaration – confirming that the applicant is not an Income Tax payer
- Age proof – such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Birth Certificate, or any government-issued document showing the applicant is 60 years of age or above
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness certificate/ report – confirming that the applicant is physically fit to undertake the pilgrimage journey
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme
If you’re interested in travelling under this scheme, the first thing to understand is that applications are generally collected through the District Tourism Development Office (DTDO). The process is quite simple and can be completed by following the steps below.
Step 1: Keep an Eye on New Pilgrimage Announcements
The Tourism Department opens applications whenever a new pilgrimage batch is planned. These announcements are usually published through newspapers, local notices, government publicity campaigns, and district administration channels.
As soon as applications open, interested senior citizens should contact their district’s Tourism Office for further details.
Step 2: Collect the Application Form
Visit your nearest District Tourism Development Office (DTDO) or contact the office over the phone. The concerned officials will provide the application form and explain the current pilgrimage destinations available under the scheme.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form Carefully
Enter your name, address, age, contact details, and other required information exactly as mentioned in your documents. If multiple pilgrimage destinations are available, indicate your preferred destination or route in the application form.
Step 4: Attach the Required Documents
Attach copies of all required documents, including Aadhaar Card, domicile certificate, age proof, photographs, and the declaration confirming that you are not an Income Tax payer.
Before submission, double-check that all documents are attached properly to avoid delays during verification.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application form to the District Tourism Development Office or any other designated office mentioned in the notification.
After submission, keep the acknowledgement or receipt safely for future reference.
Step 6: Document Verification
The District Administration and Tourism Department verify the details provided in the application. Officials check important information such as age, residence status, and eligibility under the scheme.
If any document is missing or unclear, you may be contacted to provide additional information.
Step 7: Selection of Beneficiaries
Once verification is completed, eligible applicants are selected according to the available seats in the pilgrimage batch.
If your name is selected, the department will inform you about the travel schedule, reporting location, and other important instructions.
Step 8: Join the Pilgrimage Group
On the scheduled departure date, reach the designated location mentioned by the department. From this point onward, transportation, accommodation, and meal arrangements are managed by the government.
You simply need to travel with the group and follow the instructions provided by the officials accompanying the batch.
Step 9: Begin Your Free Pilgrimage Journey
After all pilgrims assemble, the group departs for the selected destination. Depending on the route, the pilgrimage usually lasts around 4 to 5 days.
Throughout the journey, accommodation, food, and travel facilities are provided under the scheme, allowing senior citizens to undertake their pilgrimage without worrying about major expenses.
Important: Since application dates and pilgrimage batches are announced periodically, interested senior citizens should stay in touch with their District Tourism Development Office to avoid missing future opportunities.
District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) Contact Numbers
| District | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Uttarkashi | +91-7300799201 |
| Haridwar | +91-9412076849 |
| Rudraprayag | +91-8882976860 |
| Pauri | +91-8279868075 |
| Almora | +91-9412998517 |
| Nainital | +91-9458300455 / +91-7895737015 |
| Udham Singh Nagar | +91-8392911389 |
| Champawat | +91-7895229267 |
| Bageshwar | +91-9412998517 |
| Pithoragarh | +91-9895737015 |
| Tehri | +91-7300799202 |
| Dehradun | +91-7060038440 |
| Chamoli | +91-9012353111 |
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board Official Portal
- Uttarakhand Travel Trade Portal
- Char Dham Registration and Tourist Care Portal
- Government of Uttarakhand Official State Portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Nodal Department: Tourism Department, Government of Uttarakhand
- Implementing Board: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB)
- Executing Agencies: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN)
- Head Office Address: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Paryatan Bhawan, near ONGC Helipad, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun
- Local Level: Contact your District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) using the numbers listed above
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana?
Ans. Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana is a welfare scheme launched by the Tourism Department, Government of Uttarakhand to provide eligible senior citizens with a completely free pilgrimage experience. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive free transportation, accommodation, and meals during the approved pilgrimage journey.
Q. Who can apply for this scheme?
Ans. Permanent residents of Uttarakhand who are 60 years of age or above, do not file Income Tax returns, and are medically fit to undertake the journey can apply for the scheme.
Q. Is there any application fee or travel charge?
Ans. No. The pilgrimage is completely free for selected beneficiaries. Transportation, food, and accommodation expenses are borne by the government under the scheme.
Q. Why are Income Tax payers not eligible?
Ans. The scheme is primarily intended to support senior citizens who may not be financially capable of undertaking pilgrimage journeys on their own. Therefore, Income Tax payers are generally excluded from the beneficiary list.
Q. Which religious destinations are covered under the scheme?
Ans. The scheme covers several important pilgrimage destinations, including Badrinath Dham, Gangotri Dham, Jageshwar, Reetha Sahib, Nanak Matta, Kalimath, Winter Char Dham locations, and selected out-of-state destinations such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Amritsar, and Shri Khatu Shyam Ji.
Q. Does the scheme include Winter Char Dham destinations?
Ans. Yes. The government has expanded the scheme to include important Winter Char Dham sites such as Mukhwa, Kharsali, Ukhimath, and Joshimath, where the deities are worshipped during the winter season.
Q. Is there a special pilgrimage programme for Haridwar Kumbh 2027?
Ans. Yes. The Uttarakhand Government has announced that senior citizens from all districts will be provided a special free pilgrimage opportunity to participate in the first Shahi Snan of Haridwar Kumbh 2027.
Q. How can I apply for Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana?
Ans. Interested applicants must contact their respective District Tourism Development Office (DTDO) when applications are invited. The application process is currently handled offline through district-level tourism authorities.
Q. Is there any online registration portal available?
Ans. At present, the scheme does not have a dedicated online application portal. Applicants are required to apply through the District Tourism Development Office of their district.
Q. How long does the pilgrimage trip usually last?
Ans. The duration generally ranges from 4 to 5 days, although it may vary depending on the selected destination, travel route, and batch schedule.
Q. Who arranges transportation, food, and accommodation?
Ans. Transportation is arranged through the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, while accommodation and meals are managed by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN).
Q. Can retired government employees apply for the scheme?
Ans. In many notifications issued under the scheme, retired government employees are generally not included among eligible beneficiaries. Applicants should confirm the latest eligibility conditions with their District Tourism Development Office before applying.
Q. Where can I get more information or assistance?
Ans. Applicants can contact their respective District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) for scheme-related assistance or visit the official Uttarakhand Tourism website at uttarakhandtourism.gov.in for the latest updates and announcements.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.