Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, July 17:- Under the Punjab Government's public welfare-oriented 'Chief Minister's Pilgrimage Scheme' (Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana), three buses filled with pilgrims were flagged off today from the Mohali assembly constituency, led by MLA Kulwant Singh.
Speaking to reporters after flagging off the buses at village Gige Majra, MLA Kulwant Singh stated that this is the first time two buses carrying pilgrims have departed from a single village under this scheme, a testament to the enthusiasm of the local people and the scheme's growing popularity. He mentioned that the third bus was dispatched from village Giddarpur.
MLA Kulwant Singh remarked that the scheme, launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann with a focus on the convenience and religious sentiments of senior citizens, is running very successfully. He noted that while initially only one bus was dispatched from the constituency, the number was increased to two and is now three buses daily, in response to the rising number of pilgrims.
He explained that arrangements have been made for a medical team and a guide to accompany the pilgrims on each bus for their convenience. Additionally, rooms in air-conditioned hotels are booked for their stay, and all necessary arrangements—including meals—are provided by the Punjab Government. He added that pilgrims are safely dropped back at the same location from where they departed once the journey concludes.
MLA Kulwant Singh informed that pilgrims are currently visiting Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Durgiana Mandir, Ram Tirath Valmiki Mandir, Wagah Border, and Jallianwala Bagh. He stated that in the near future, buses would also be operated to other religious sites, including Haridwar and Khatu Shyam. He expressed confidence that, given the steadily increasing number of pilgrims, up to six buses would eventually be dispatched daily from the Mohali assembly constituency. He stated that there is immense enthusiasm among senior citizens across Punjab regarding this scheme, and registrations are being made in large numbers. Every day, senior citizens travel to various religious sites in groups and return home.
Speaking on the occasion, Phulraj Singh, the constituency coordinator for the 'Chief Minister's Pilgrimage Scheme' (Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana), mentioned that a large number of devotees are registering daily. He noted that the number of buses departing from the Mohali assembly constituency has increased from one to two, and now to three. He added that, for the first time today, two buses carrying devotees from a single village were flagged off under this scheme.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders Satnam Singh and Kuldeep Singh Samana, former Sarpanch Avtar Singh Mauli, Mohali Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Harpal Singh Channa, Randeep Singh Mataur, Jaspal Singh Mataur, Akvinder Singh Gosal, Narinder Pal Singh Dhaliwal, Baljit Singh, and Pargat Singh were also present on the occasion.