Groups organising Kanwar Yatra will get funds directly, says CM

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that the Delhi government will directly transfer funds to registered religious committees organising camps for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Lord Shiva devotees.

Addressing a press conference, Ms. Gupta said the earlier model of awarding tenders to private contractors was riddled with inefficiency and corruption. “For the entire Delhi, tenders were bagged by two or three individuals who then farm out the work. If the government spent ₹500, services worth less than ₹100 actually reached the devotees,” she said, calling the previous system a “den of corruption”. The press meet concluded with her chanting “Har Har Mahadev”.

Under the new system, registered religious committees will receive free electricity up to 1,200 units and a financial grant of up to ₹10 lakh based on the size and duration of the camp, said Ms. Gupta, adding that the move will enhance transparency and efficiency.

To qualify for funding, the Kanwar camps must meet certain infrastructure standards, including waterproof tents and proper bedding, barricading, CCTV surveillance, fans, coolers, fire extinguishers, clean sanitation facilities and proper stage set-ups.

Obtaining grants

The CM said that to obtain grants and permissions, the government will implement a single-window clearance system overseen by District Magistrates.

Committees must apply for a No Objection Certificate, which will be issued within three days. They also need to provide a recommendation from a local MLA, MP, or a Minister for approval. A group of Ministers will finalise committees, she added.