Mann, Kejriwal flag off 15 pilgrim buses in Hoshiarpur

The scheme, which already operates on two routes in Punjab—one to Amritsar and another to Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi—has now been expanded to cover three more routes, including Salasar and Khatu Shyam Ji in Rajasthan, Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, and Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh

Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday flagged off 15 buses carrying pilgrims to Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana.

The Bhagwant Mann government will bear all the expenses for travel, stay and food. (HT PHOTO)

The scheme, which already operates on two routes in Punjab—one to Amritsar and another to Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi—has now been expanded to cover three more routes, including Salasar and Khatu Shyam Ji in Rajasthan, Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, and Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.

Permanent residents of Punjab, aged 50 years or above, can undertake pilgrimage under the scheme, with up to two members from a family eligible to travel. Applicants should be physically and mentally fit to undertake the journey, with no restrictions based on income, caste or religion.

Pilgrims are provided air-conditioned buses, accommodation in air-conditioned hotels, and complimentary breakfast and dinner. Under Phase 1 of the scheme, over 4 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple and Bhagwan Valmiki Mandir in Amritsar; and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, along with Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.

Applications can be submitted online through the Connect Punjab Portal or offline via local representatives and district administration offices. Applicants must provide proof of age and Punjab residency.

Before flagging off the buses, Kejriwal said, “For the people, this is a very big opportunity in their lives to go on a pilgrimage. We just went inside the buses as well. The buses are excellent, comfortable and air-conditioned. People do not need to spend anything. The Bhagwant Mann government will bear all the expenses for travel, stay and food. Very good hotels have been arranged for the devotees. Good buses have also been arranged after they reach there, so there is no need to worry.”

“Today, 15 buses are going to Salasar-Khatu Shyam, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan. We spoke to the people inside the buses, many of whom are getting the opportunity to visit Salasar and Khatu Shyam for the first time. In the coming months, a total of 1.5 lakh people from Punjab will be taken to different pilgrimage destinations,” Kejriwal added.

“I congratulate everyone and pray for a blessed journey. I pray that the pilgrims return with blessings that Punjab becomes prosperous, the people of Punjab remain happy, and there is happiness and peace in Punjab. I wish everyone happiness and good health and a blessed journey,” said the AAP national chief.

Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Bhagwant Mann said, “A total of 15 buses carrying devotees from five districts, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Pathankot and Gurdaspur, have departed from Hoshiarpur for different religious destinations. We met the pilgrims, and the devotees sitting in the buses are very happy and are already singing ‘bhajans’.”

“Free food and proper care will be provided to the pilgrims throughout the journey. Medical insurance of every pilgrim will be ensured so that in case of any emergency, they can receive free medical treatment at good empanelled hospitals. For the convenience of pilgrims, an attendant will remain present in every bus and a dedicated team has been deployed at every destination to ensure that the process of paying obeisance takes place smoothly,” he shared.

Later, Kejriwal and Mann also attended the “Ek Sham Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam” devotional event at Dussehra ground, where singer Kailash Kher led the congregation in worship.

CM inaugurates govt school building for girls in Malerkotla

Malerkotla Earlier in the day, chief minister Bhagwant Mann also inaugurated a new five-storey government school building for girls in Malerkotla, declaring it as a special Independence Day gift for the daughters of Punjab.

He said the ₹6.39-crore project was completed for ₹6.34 crore, saving ₹5.25 lakh from the government exchequer, while equipping students with modern facilities including libraries, smart classrooms, common rooms and washrooms.

Mann pointed out that unlike previous governments that merely painted school buildings in the name of Smart Schools, the present government was building an education system that was producing results and had taken Punjab to Number 1 in the country in education.

“This school is dedicated to our daughters on the 80th Independence Day. Students from Malerkotla and nearby villages will now be able to access quality education closer to their homes,” the chief minister said.