Khandwa Panchayat Funds Free Pilgrimages for Elderly Through 100% Tax Collection

• Kalmukhi Gram Panchayat in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, uses 100% tax collection to fund free pilgrimage tours for its elderly residents.
• The panchayat collects approximately 25 lakh rupees annually from water, property, and sanitation taxes.
• This initiative, named 'Sarpanch Teerth Darshan Yatra', has already sent villagers to Ujjain Mahakal Lok, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, and Khatu Shyam.
• The idea was inspired by former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Teerth Darshan Yojana, aiming for every elderly person to experience a pilgrimage.
• Kalmukhi Panchayat serves as a model for other gram panchayats, demonstrating how local taxes can foster both development and cultural welfare.

Why It Matters: Kalmukhi Panchayat in Khandwa sets an example by using 100% tax collection to offer free pilgrimages to its elderly.