Ensure speedy approval for pilgrims: CM to Central team

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has asked the Centre to cut down on the 30-day notice period for pilgrims to apply online for visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara during the 550th Parkash Purb celebrations.

He was chairing a high-level review meeting to review the progress of the corridor project with a team of officers from the Centre.

Capt Amarinder asked the team to examine the feasibility of issuing e-permits to devotees and setting up a dedicated passport sewa kendra at Dera Baba Nanak to facilitate lakhs of pilgrims who are expected to apply for Kartarpur darshan. He reiterated his request to the Centre to prevail upon Pakistan to remove the $20 visiting fee on the pilgrims.

The Chief Minister asked the RPO, Chandigarh, to ensure a fast-track and accessible mechanism to deliver passports to pilgrims on priority. He also asked the RPO to start organising camps across the state to help devotees.

The CM asked the Centre to allow a minimum of Rs 10,000 per person. The Centre should ensure that enough money exchange booths are set up by Pakistan at the site, he said.