The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Rs. 2 cr. corpus for Christian pilgrims

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Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Rs. 2 cr. corpus for Christian pilgrims

HYDERABAD: As the stage is set for the launch of Holy Land Pilgrimage for Christians, the State government has issued detailed guidelines for pilgrims and tour operators interested in bidding for the programme.

The week-long pilgrimage envisages visit to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Jordan River, Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee and other important places connected with the life of Jesus Christ.

The government made a budgetary provision of Rs. 2 crore (spending Rs. 20,000 on each pilgrim) for the scheme designed on the lines of Haj and is contemplating to send about 900 to 1,000 pilgrims in batches of 50 to 100. According to the draft guidelines, Christian pilgrims certified through their academic records should apply online through a web-based prescribed application with relevant documents. Preference would be given to physically fit pilgrims of over 50 years of age and couples who can support each other during the tour.

The government will invite an expression of interest from tour operators who should be recognised by IATA, approved by Union Tourism Ministry and have a minimum three years of trade standing in Andhra Pradesh. They should be “conversant” with Christian practices.

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