Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched Divya darshan, a programmme to provide free pilgrimage to famous temples in the State for the poor, near Durga Ghat here on Monday.
He flagged off four Divya darshan buses provided by the APSRTC to the Endowments Department on rental basis.
The Chief Minister administered an oath to the beneficiaries that they would visit the temples with utmost devotion and not consider it a pleasure trip.
Selection through lottery
Mr. Naidu said 1.30 lakh people would stand to gain under the programme. The beneficiaries would be selected through lottery. People between 18 and 70 were eligible to apply and 90 per cent of the beneficiaries would be selected from the poor belonging to the SC,ST and BC communities, he said.
The Chief Minister suggested the endowments officials to collect feedback from the participants. It was necessary to treat relatives and friends who visit our house as Gods, he said. The Endowments Department, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and local temples will be involved in the implementation of the scheme.
Principal Secretary (Endowments) J.S.V. Prasad, APSRTC Managing Director Malakondaiah, Endowments Commissioner Anuradha, Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam Executive Officer A.Surya Kumari, MLC Buddha Venkanna and others were present.
Devotees to be taken to five major temples
The government would identify the beneficiaries based on their economic and social backwardness. They would be taken to five major temples, including Tirumala.
People from each of the 13 districts will be selected every year under the scheme.
It is estimated that Rs. 100 crore per annum would be needed to implement the scheme.
It was estimated that the accommodation and food would cost Rs. 60 crore. As both would be provided at the respective temples, there need not be any special budget for it.
The government would have to spend Rs. 40 crore on travel expenses which would be shared by the TTD and the Endowments Department.