Bhubaneswar, Jan 30: The Odisha government has initiated a process to seek public consent for its ambitious ‘Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana’ (SJDY), a scheme designed to facilitate free pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, officials said on Friday.

The SJDY, announced earlier this month, will offer free trips to Puri for senior citizens aged 60–75 and widowed women up to 75. Officials said that around 35,000 beneficiaries will be selected from across the state at the panchayat level.

Officials stated that consent forms are being distributed across districts to ensure voluntary participation. The government intends to cover travel, accommodation, and food expenses for beneficiaries, thereby removing financial barriers to one of the most significant spiritual experiences in Odisha’s cultural landscape.

The scheme mirrors similar initiatives in other states, such as Madhya Pradesh’s Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, but Odisha’s plan is unique in its exclusive focus on Lord Jagannath, who holds a central place in the spiritual identity of the state.

Community leaders have welcomed the move, noting that it will strengthen cultural ties and promote inclusivity. However, questions remain about the logistics of managing large groups of pilgrims and ensuring transparency in beneficiary selection. Critics have also raised concerns about the financial sustainability of the programme, given the scale of expenditure required.

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The government has assured that detailed guidelines will be issued once the consent process is complete. Priority will be accorded to senior citizens, widows, and families below the poverty line. The scheme is expected to roll out in phases, with the first batch of pilgrims likely to visit Puri later this year.

By seeking consent before enrollment, the administration hopes to avoid misuse of funds and ensure that only willing participants are included. The initiative, officials say, is not merely a welfare measure but also an effort to preserve Odisha’s cultural heritage and reaffirm the state’s devotion to Lord Jagannath.