Bhubaneswar, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, introduced the ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan’ scheme on Friday, which provides free travel, accommodation, and various amenities for elderly citizens to embark on a pilgrimage to the historic Jagannath Temple and experience the darshan of the divine triad.

This initiative was announced during a special ceremony in the Nabarangpur district of Odisha.

Moreover, the launch of the scheme coincided with special events held in Bhadrak, Baripada, Sambalpur, and Berhampur. Approximately 500 devotees from five districts, accompanied by escort officers, began their pilgrimage to Puri.

According to an official statement, the state government has set a target to facilitate darshan for 5,000 beneficiaries this year, with plans to enable more than one lakh eligible individuals to visit the 12th-century shrine over the next four years to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath.

This scheme is aimed at senior citizens from economically disadvantaged backgrounds aged between 60 and 75, as well as widows up to 75 years old. It includes travel in AC buses, accommodation at Puri Brundabati Nivas, and the provision of Mahaprasad, the sacred food offering.

During the launch, CM Majhi emphasized that there should be no obstacles for anyone wishing to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath, the deity revered as the lord of the universe.

“Our vision is that every Odia should have the chance to seek the Lord’s blessings with dignity at least once in their lifetime through the ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan’ scheme,” Majhi stated.

He further expressed that the day when every disadvantaged individual can visit Lord Jagannath without barriers, with tears of joy from spiritual fulfillment, would be the day he feels his tenure as Chief Minister has been truly meaningful, as that devotee's satisfaction would be his greatest reward.

Additionally, on this occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a long-awaited medical college in the Nabarangpur district.

The proposed medical college and hospital in Patalguda, Nabarangpur, will cover over 50 acres and feature 100 MBBS seats along with 420 beds. Majhi assured that once this medical college is operational, residents will no longer need to travel outside for advanced medical care, as modern healthcare facilities will be made available locally.

He mentioned that within just 20 months of taking office, three new medical colleges have commenced operations in Jajpur, Kandhamal, and Talcher, with four more promised to follow.

The establishment process for the Nabarangpur medical college is underway, with plans to set up additional colleges in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak districts soon.

On this occasion, Majhi also inaugurated 177 developmental projects worth over Rs 446 crore for Nabarangpur district, including the inauguration of 112 projects valued at Rs 68 crore and the laying of the foundation for 65 projects amounting to Rs 378 crore. These projects will enhance the district’s development in education, healthcare, infrastructure, forest protection, and other essential services.