Mohali, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced the expansion of the state government’s Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, under which devotees will be able to undertake free pilgrimages to Khatu Shyam Ji, Salasar Dham, Vrindavan and Rishikesh from August 1.
The announcement was made during the “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv De Naam” Bhajan Sandhya in Mohali, where the Chief Minister joined devotees amid celebrations during the holy month of Saavan.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said the Punjab Government would bear the complete cost of the pilgrimage, including transportation from pilgrims’ homes, boarding, lodging and return travel. He said the initiative has been designed to make religious travel accessible, particularly for senior citizens and devotees across the state.
Highlighting Punjab’s tradition of communal harmony, the Chief Minister described the state as the land of Gurus and saints where people of different faiths have coexisted peacefully for generations. He said Punjabis collectively celebrate festivals such as Ram Navami, Gurpurab and Eid, reflecting the state’s strong culture of brotherhood and mutual respect.
Mann asserted that attempts by divisive forces to create discord would not succeed in Punjab. “Punjab is like a beautiful bouquet where every flower blooms together. Every kind of seed can grow here except the seeds of hatred,” he said, adding that the state’s unity remains its greatest strength.
The Chief Minister said the government is organising “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv De Naam” programmes in 22 cities across Punjab to promote the message of Lord Shiva and encourage spiritual participation during Saavan.
In a post shared on social media after the event, Mann said he was humbled by the affection of devotees and reiterated that public welfare remained the government’s priority. He said schemes such as free electricity, the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna and the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna were aimed at ensuring that taxpayers’ money directly benefited the people.
The Chief Minister also highlighted other welfare initiatives of the state government. He said women have been receiving financial assistance under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna since July 1, with eligible women receiving ₹1,000 per month and Scheduled Caste women receiving ₹1,500. According to him, 32 lakh women received the benefit in July, while more than 40 lakh beneficiaries are expected to receive assistance on August 1.
Mann further said the government has closed 19 toll plazas, saving commuters nearly ₹70 lakh every day, provided more than 68,000 government jobs through a transparent recruitment process, ensured free electricity to around 90 per cent of households, expanded road infrastructure and introduced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which offers cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh annually for every resident family. He said beneficiaries have already availed treatment worth over ₹650 crore under the healthcare scheme.
FOLLOW NOW
