The Karnataka government has spent Rs 74 crore on approximately 53,000 pilgrims over the last three years under its flagship pilgrimage scheme. This initiative, aimed at facilitating religious travel for residents, covers expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals for devotees visiting various holy sites across the country.
Scheme Details
The pilgrimage scheme, operated by the state's religious endowments department, has seen a steady increase in participation. In the financial year 2022-23, the government spent Rs 24 crore on 17,500 pilgrims. The following year, expenditure rose to Rs 26 crore for 18,200 pilgrims. In the current fiscal year, Rs 24 crore has been allocated for 17,300 pilgrims so far.
Popular Destinations
Key destinations under the scheme include Tirupati, Shirdi, Pandharpur, and Varanasi. The government arranges special trains and buses for pilgrims, ensuring comfortable travel. Accommodation in lodges or dharamshalas and vegetarian meals are also provided.
Critics have questioned the expenditure, especially amid fiscal constraints. However, the government defends the scheme as a means to promote religious tourism and provide equal access to pilgrimage for economically weaker sections.
The scheme is part of a broader effort to support cultural and religious activities in Karnataka, which has a rich heritage of temple traditions and festivals. Officials say the program has received positive feedback from beneficiaries, many of whom are first-time pilgrims.
