Bhubaneswar, April 8: The state government's promise of easy, safe and affordable pilgrimage for senior citizens is yet to become a reality. While many states have successfully organised pilgrimage tours for senior citizens, it is still in the planning stage in Odisha.

In July last year, the state government had proposed a scheme - Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana - to provide assistance to senior citizens who want to go on pilgrimage. This year in February, the state tourism department announced that the scheme was ready. But even after two months, nothing much is appears ready.

According to the scheme, everyone above 60 years or age from all religions and faiths can go on pilgrimages with assistance from the state. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh have been hosting such tours. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has proposed routes for Eastern India in this scheme covering destinations such as Rameswaram, Allahabad, Varanasi, Mathura, Brindavan, Ajmer, Ujjain, Haridwar and Rishikesh from Bhubaneswar, Puri to Dwarka, Bangriposi to Puri, Sambalpur to Puri, Koraput to Puri, Nuapada to Puri, Rourkela to Puri, Bangriposi to Tirupati and so on.

The amount of discount will depend on the age and financial situation of the person. People with BPL cards would be able to travel for free once the scheme starts functioning.

The pilgrims will be served vegetarian meals, drinking water, accommodation, road transport and medical facilities during the tour. District-level committees formed for the same would co-ordinate with the monitoring cell at the tourism department to facilitate the tours for pilgrims from various districts. But so far, the scheme has not started functioning, leaving many disappointed.

"The scheme will be helpful in arranging a safe pilgrimage for even non BPL senior citizens. So, I went to Odisha Tourism Development Corporation office in Bhubaneswar to enquire about how to apply for my parents. But they said it had not begun yet," said Bikash Nayak, a vegetable vendor. "We are co-ordinating with various districts. The scheme will take off shortly and by July, the tours should be ready," said tourism secretary Gagan Dhal.