PANAJI
Barely half the seats were filled. That was the glaring outcome of the State government’s revived Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Scheme, as the inaugural pilgrimage train to Vailankanni on January 9 departed with only around 460 pilgrims against a capacity of nearly 1,200.
A mix of procedural delays, shift to online booking and the government’s warning of penalties for last-minute cancellations together kept hundreds of potential pilgrims away.
Officials admitted that the scheme’s first trip suffered due to the hurried announcement. “It was announced just recently and there was hardly any time for financial provision. Lack of funds slowed the process as Indian Railways doesn’t allow payments at a later stage... but there were other procedural delays too,” a senior government official told The Goan.
The newly introduced online booking system also proved a barrier. For three years, pilgrims registered by physically filling out forms and submitting them to the department or concerned officers.
The switch to digital mode -- though welcomed by staff for the order it brings -- caught many off guard. “Not everyone is accustomed to online booking, and several internal parts of Goa still face internet connectivity issues,” the source said, adding that while the system reduced confusion seen in past registrations, its first-time introduction came with predictable teething problems.
To ensure smoother access for upcoming trips, the department has now decided to set up help desks in North Goa, South Goa and at the head office. “Our staff will assist people with bookings,” Director Deepak Desai said when contacted by The Goan, but declined to elaborate further on the prevailing issues.
Meanwhile, another deterrent was the government’s firm stand on imposing penalties for cancellations. Officials said past pilgrimages were plagued by last-minute no-shows, causing financial loss to the State. “There have been several incidents where pilgrims booked but cancelled at the last minute or did not board without informing the authorities. This time we have imposed a penalty… There could be emergencies, but not in all cases... It is the State that loses revenue,” the source explained.
Despite the low turnout for the maiden pilgrimage, sources said over 20 pilgrims were added at the last minute with the help of Social Welfare staff facilitating bookings directly at the railway station.
Looking ahead, the department has geared up for bookings for the next pilgrimage that will open within a day or two. “Inquiries have begun. We are certain of full booking to Ayodhya… More trips will be announced soon,” he said.
The January 9 Vailankanni journey marked the first Dev Darshan trip after the scheme was revived this month, nearly a year after being put on hold due to pending government approval. The department has scheduled pilgrimages to Ayodhya on January 19, January 26 and February 2.
Sources further stated that the government will devise a mechanism to ensure that payments for each trip are processed smoothly, with the respective departments clearing the bills on time.
