What this scheme offers
The Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana, started by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on 7 November 2022, offers Goan senior citizens a one-time, lifetime pilgrimage outside the state. Trips are organised in groups of at least 750 people, or the carrying capacity of the train if lower, under an agency package arranged with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. The applicant must be between 50 and 70 years old, and one attendant travels free with them. The 2025-26 schedule had four trips: Velankanni on 9 January 2026 and Ayodhya on 19 January, 26 January and 2 February 2026. Seats are first-come, first-served, so early registration matters, and applicants declare through a self-medical certificate or declaration that they are fit and free of communicable disease.
Who is eligible
- A resident of Goa.
- Aged not less than 50 and not more than 70 years.
- Physically and mentally sound, and not suffering from a communicable disease such as TB, heart disease, leprosy or COVID; a self-medical certificate or declaration is submitted.
- The benefit is available once in a lifetime, and one attendant can accompany the applicant free of cost.
- Seats are filled first-come, first-served for each announced trip.
Documents required
- Completed application or online registration
- Age proof
- Proof of residence in Goa
- Self-medical certificate or self-declaration, uploaded on the web portal or app
- Aadhaar card
- Details of the attendant
How to apply
- Watch for the Directorate of Social Welfare's announcement of the year's trip schedule.
- Register online on the scheme's web portal or app, or use the application form available through the Social Welfare Directorate.
- Upload the age proof, residence proof and the self-medical declaration, and give the attendant's details.
- Register early, since seats are allotted first-come, first-served.
- Selected pilgrims are told the trip date and travel arrangements, with travel, accommodation and meals arranged under the agency package.