Odisha Launches ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan’ Scheme for Senior Citizens

Bhubaneswar, Feb 13 : In a major welfare initiative aimed at ensuring spiritual access for all, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday launched the ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan’ scheme to facilitate pilgrimage to the sacred Jagannath Temple for senior citizens and widowed mothers from economically weaker sections at government expense.

The scheme, formally launched in Nabarangpur and rolled out simultaneously in Bhadrak, Baripada, Sambalpur and Berhampur, seeks to fulfil the vision that every Odia should have the opportunity to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath at least once in their lifetime.

Under the initiative, senior citizens aged between 60 and 75 years and widowed mothers up to 75 years of age will be eligible to undertake the pilgrimage. Over the next four years, more than one lakh devotees are expected to benefit from the scheme, with 5,000 beneficiaries targeted in the first year.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described Lord Jagannath as the Lord of the Universe and asserted that no devotee should face financial or logistical barriers in having darshan. Around 500 pilgrims from five districts have already commenced their journey to Puri, accompanied by escort officers.

The government is providing air-conditioned bus transport, accommodation at Brundabati Nivas in Puri, and Mahaprasad during their visit to ensure a comfortable and dignified pilgrimage experience.

On the occasion, Majhi also laid the foundation stone for a long-awaited medical college in Nabarangpur district. The institution will be established at Patalguda over more than 50 acres and will feature 100 MBBS seats along with a 420-bed hospital.

Highlighting improvements in healthcare infrastructure, the Chief Minister stated that within 20 months of assuming office, three new medical colleges have become operational in Jajpur, Kandhamal and Talcher, with four more in the pipeline. He further announced that new medical colleges will soon be established in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak to strengthen healthcare access and address the shortage of doctors in the state.

Additionally, foundation stones were laid and projects inaugurated for 177 development works worth over Rs 446 crore in Nabarangpur district. These include 112 completed projects valued at Rs 68 crore and 65 new projects worth Rs 378 crore.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to holistic development, Majhi said efforts are underway to advance education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, women’s empowerment and self-reliance, ensuring that even remote districts remain connected to the state’s growth story.

During the event, beneficiaries of the Shree Jagannath Darshan scheme received kit bags, while assistance was also distributed under the Construction Workers’ Welfare Scheme and Social Security Scheme.

Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and ST & SC Development and School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond also addressed the gathering. Members of Parliament and MLAs from the region expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for fulfilling long-pending developmental demands of the district.