The Maharashtra government announced that they would now be provided insurance coverage, which will be benefit millions of Warkari pilgrims.
For this, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde introduced the "Vitthal Rukmini Warkari Bima Chhatra Yojana".
The scheme aims to provide insurance cover to the Warkaris participating in Pandharpur's Ashadhi Wari.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel long distances of hundreds of kilometers from their respective villages to Pandharpur in Solapur district to take part in the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations at the Vitthal temple.
Accidents and mishaps occur during the Wari, leading to injuries or unfortunate fatalities among the Warkaris.
Under this scheme, Warkaris' family will receive an ex-gratia grant of INR 5 lakh. In case of permanent disability or disability due to an accident, INR 1 lakh will be provided.
For partial disability, INR 50,000 will be given, and up to INR 35,000 will be available for medical treatment in case of illness during the Wari.
