The Tourism Department has directed all district collectors to personally monitor and expedite the collection of consent forms under the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY).
The scheme, set to launch soon, automatically identifies eligible beneficiaries—senior citizens aged 60–75 and widows up to 75 years under pension schemes—but requires mandatory consent to participate.
Despite earlier instructions to collect consent during pension distribution on January 15, 2026, progress has remained unsatisfactory in most districts. Concerned over delays, the department has asked district administrations, District Social Security Officers (DSSOs), and Tourism Development Officers to take immediate action.
Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, IAS, emphasised that the scheme aims to benefit 5,000 people in FY 2025–26 and 30,000 in FY 2026–27. He urged collectors to personally oversee the process to ensure timely completion.
Officials noted that the consent requirement is crucial for smooth implementation. Without it, beneficiaries cannot avail themselves of the scheme’s provisions. The department has already issued revised operational guidelines and held discussions with DSSOs earlier this month to streamline the process.
The directive highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that senior citizens and widows receive the benefits of the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana. By pushing for faster consent collection, the department seeks to avoid delays and ensure transparency in beneficiary selection.
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