Delhi CM Rekha Gupta: Kanwar Committees to Receive Funds via Direct Benefit Transfer

TIT Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com

NEW DELHI, 24 JUNE: As Delhi gears up for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday that Kanwar committees will now receive funds directly from the Delhi government via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. This initiative aims to streamline the provision of facilities and eradicate corruption that allegedly plagued the process during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Addressing a press conference, CM Gupta said, “In the name of providing services to Kanwar Yatris, the previous government made this work a spot of corruption. Only 2-3 people used to control tenders across Delhi. Committees of Kanwar Yatris have shared with us how, until the last day, basic facilities like tents were not set up. To fix this, we’ve decided that all Kanwar committees will now get funds through direct benefit transfer from the Delhi Government.”

Earlier, on June 17, CM Gupta held a high-level review meeting to discuss preparations for the Kanwar Yatra 2025. The focus of this review was to ensure seamless arrangements for the lakhs of Shiv bhakts expected to participate. The Chief Minister emphasized that every devotee should be treated with respect and have access to quality facilities and adequate security.

“The Kanwar Yatra is not just a festival of faith but also an opportunity for service and dedication,” CM Gupta stated. “The Delhi Government will make sure that every Shiv devotee receives the respect, facilities, and security that they deserve. The administration will work with utmost sincerity and sensitivity to make this event a memorable one.”

According to the Delhi CM, a comprehensive network of Kanwar camps will be set up across the capital. The camps will operate from early July until Sawan Shivratri, ensuring better infrastructure and improved services compared to previous years. These arrangements are being made with special attention to providing tents, medical facilities, water stations, and other amenities required by the pilgrims.

The Kanwar Yatra is a significant spiritual and cultural tradition where Kanwariyas carry holy water from a river, often walking hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the shrines of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu beliefs, this practice was started by Parshuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and a devotee of Shiva.

With this new approach, CM Rekha Gupta aims to make the Kanwar Yatra a well-managed and enriching experience for devotees across Delhi, reflecting both reverence and a strong sense of service.