The Government of Gujarat has launched a special initiative titled the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme, designed to support the pilgrimage aspirations of Scheduled Tribe citizens across the state. The objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to tribal individuals and families who wish to visit the sacred Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, in remembrance of Maa Shabari and to receive divine darshan of Lord Ram. The scheme ensures that even economically weaker tribal groups can undertake this spiritual journey without financial stress by offering a direct assistance amount along with the facilitation of railway travel arrangements. Implemented by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, the scheme promises a structured, guided, and officially supported travel experience. This article provides a complete and comprehensive explanation of the scheme including eligibility criteria, benefits, conditions, application process, required documents, post-travel procedures, and important guidelines for applicants.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

Financial assistance of ₹5,000 per pilgrim.
Travel arrangements coordinated through IRCTC.
Only the first 1,500 eligible tribal applicants receive benefits per year.
Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Tribe or tribal community category.
Travel must be completed within the permitted schedule issued by the Board.
Prior approval and online registration are mandatory.
Assistance is available once per person per year for this specific pilgrimage.

This scheme offers both financial and logistical support while promoting safe, coordinated pilgrimage travel.

Benefits of the Scheme

The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Shabari Smriti Yatra Sahay Scheme offers several major benefits to ensure that tribal communities can comfortably undertake the spiritual journey without facing economic hurdles.

1. Financial Assistance – ₹5,000 per Pilgrim

Each eligible pilgrim receives ₹5,000 as financial support.
This amount is intended to reduce the overall cost of long-distance travel from Gujarat to Ayodhya. It covers a major portion of expenses like food, local transport, small personal requirements, and other pilgrimage-related needs.

2. Railway Travel Arrangements

The scheme includes coordinated train travel:

Booking support through IRCTC
Comfortable and organized transportation
Ensured safety during long-distance travel
Elimination of the burden of arranging tickets personally

This support is extremely helpful for first-time or senior tribal pilgrims who may face difficulty managing long-distance journeys alone.

3. Coverage for 1,500 Tribal Pilgrims

Only the first 1,500 registered Scheduled Tribe applicants are considered each year.
This ensures proper management, quality service, safe arrangements, and timely support to every selected pilgrim.

4. Annual Benefit

Each eligible person can avail the scheme once per year.
This allows families to undertake the pilgrimage gradually over the years while maintaining fairness and discipline in benefit distribution.

5. Group Applications for Families

Applicants can add up to 8 family members in a group application, making the pilgrimage a shared and meaningful family experience.

6. Assistance with Post-Journey Documentation

The Board offers support in verifying documents after the pilgrimage to ensure the benefit process moves smoothly.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet all the following conditions:

1. Residential Requirement

The applicant must be a resident of Gujarat for at least 12 years from their current age.
This ensures that the scheme truly benefits long-term residents belonging to tribal communities within the state.

2. Category Requirement

Only individuals belonging to the Scheduled Tribe or tribal community are eligible.
Caste certificate or equivalent proof is mandatory.

3. Age Requirement

Applicants must be above 12 years of age to participate in the pilgrimage.

4. Annual Limit

Assistance can only be availed once per person per year for traveling to Sri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya.

5. Prior Approval Mandatory

No applicant is permitted to travel unless they have:

Completed online registration
Received official approval from the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board

6. Family Members Allowed

Applicants may include up to 8 family members in a single application, provided all members meet eligibility norms.

7. Priority Basis

Preference is given to the first 1,500 registered tribal applicants only.

Conditions Under the Scheme

The applicant must follow all guidelines to avail benefits. Violating any condition may lead to cancellation.

1. Completion of Journey is Mandatory

Pilgrims must complete the journey as approved and return with proof of completion.

2. Travel Within Approved Timelines

Travel must take place within the scheduled period mentioned in the permission letter. Unapproved travel will not be considered.

3. No Illegal or Prohibited Items

Applicants must not carry prohibited items during travel.

4. Documentary Evidence Required

Travel documents must be submitted within one month after the journey.

5. Mandatory Registration

Undertaking the trip without prior registration and approval is strictly prohibited.

Application Process (Online)

The entire application process is conducted online for transparency and easy access.

Below is a clear step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Registration

Visit the official portal of the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board.
On the homepage, navigate to the Booking section and choose the option for registration under Sri Ram Janmabhumi Yatra.
Fill in the registration details including:
- Name
- Mobile Number
- Email
- Password of your choice
Enter the captcha code and click submit to complete registration.

After this, you will receive login credentials for future access.

Step 2: Application Submission

Log in using your registered username and password.
Open the Shree Ram JanmBhumi Yatra online application form.
Fill in all the mandatory details such as:
- Personal information
- Category details
- Family member details
- Contact information
Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
Read the declaration carefully and check the acknowledgment box.
Review all information to avoid errors.
Submit the application to receive a confirmation message.

Applicants must apply before 31st March of the respective year.

Post-Application Process

After submitting the application, the following steps take place:

1. Approval & Travel Permission

The Board examines the application.
Once approved, the applicant receives:

Permission letter
Travel schedule
Booking confirmation details

Approval may be communicated online or through official communication channels.

2. Pre-Travel Coordination

At least 10 days before the journey, pilgrims must contact the Board to finalize:

Travel instructions
Accommodation details
Train schedule
Required preparations

3. Undertaking the Journey

During the pilgrimage, the applicant must:

Keep railway tickets safely
Follow temple rules and guidelines
Maintain accommodation receipts (if applicable)
Take photographs at the temple premises as required

4. Submission of Proof After Journey

Within one month of returning, the applicant must submit:

Railway tickets
Accommodation receipts
Required temple photographs
Any other documents requested for processing the benefit

This ensures transparency and confirms that the assistance amount has been used appropriately.

Required Documents

Below is the list of documents needed during different stages.

At the Time of Application

Self-attested Aadhaar Card
Caste Certificate or Leaving Certificate showing tribal status
Bank Passbook first page copy
Age proof certificate
Address proof if applicable

During Travel

Original railway tickets
Valid ID proof for each traveler
Permission letter from the Board

After Travel

Railway tickets (onward and return)
Dharamshala/Accommodation proof
2–3 photographs at Ayodhya Temple (selfies allowed)

All documents must be clear and self-attested.

Important Guidelines for Applicants

Apply early to secure a place among the first 1,500 eligible pilgrims.
Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and valid.
The journey must strictly follow the authorized schedule.
Keep all documents safe throughout the travel.
Provide truthful and accurate information to avoid rejection.
Pilgrims must travel only after receiving approval.
Children below 12 years cannot apply.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme holds deep religious, cultural, and social relevance:

1. Promotes Spiritual Tourism

Ayodhya, being one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations, draws millions of devotees every year. This scheme ensures that members of tribal communities are not left out from such sacred experiences.

2. Supports Tribal Welfare

Scheduled Tribe communities often face financial constraints. The scheme offers them equal access to pilgrimage opportunities.

3. Encourages Family Participation

Since up to 8 family members can travel together, the pilgrimage becomes a shared experience that strengthens family bonds.

4. Honors Cultural Heritage

The memory of Maa Shabari and the devotion she symbolizes is preserved and honored through this scheme.

5. State-Sponsored Safety & Organization

Government-organized travel ensures safety, discipline, and convenience, especially for senior citizens and first-time travelers.