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The computerized draw for the selection of the yatris for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was conducted in the Ministry of External Affairs on May 8, 2006 by Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed. The Yatra is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2006. Applications for the Yatra had been invited earlier this year through an open advertisement in major national and regional media. Yatris have been selected through a computer-generated, gender-balanced random selection process for a total of 960 slots across 16 batches.
Minister of State for External Affairs said that the Government attached great importance to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in view of the deep religious sentiments of the people of India associated with Kailash and Mansarovar. He also added that the Yatra this year acquired greater significance as we completed 25 years of its resumption. Minister of State for External Affairs said that it was Government’s endeavour to improve and upgrade facilities for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on a continuing basis and increase the number of yatris every year.
Addressing the media after the draw of lots ceremony MOS(EA) said that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with various State and Central Government agencies, since 1981 under a bilateral arrangement between India and China. The Yatra is undertaken every year from June to September. The arrangements on the Chinese side are made by the authorities of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
A number of facilities are provided by the Government to the Yatris, including a cash subsidy for each yatri, free medical assistance, security and escort cover by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police till the Lipulekh Pass on the Indian side, communication links with China, and provision of satellite phone to each batch of yatris for use during emergency throughout the Yatra. A Liaison Officer is attached by the Government with each batch of yatris, who is responsible for their general welfare.
In view of our request to allow a greater number of yatris to visit Kailash Mansarover, the Chinese side has agreed to increase the size of each batch from 44 to 60 yatri per batch. The number of yatris has progressively increased over the years, and this year we will have upto 960 Yatris in 16 batches.
Government is also discussing with the Chinese side issues regarding the improvement of facilities on their side for the Yatra within the constraint of the difficult terrain and the lack of infrastructure along the Yatra route. There has been gradual improvement over the years. A proposal has also been made to the Chinese side regarding opening an alternative route to Kailash and Mansarovar to make the Yatra more convenient. During the visit of the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to India in April last year, Prime Minister himself raised the matter of opening an alternative route for the Yatra through Ladakh, which would be shorter and more convenient. The Chinese side conveyed their willingness to provide greater facilitation to pilgrims from India.
This year 960 Yatris will be selected on the basis of draw of lots through a computer-generated, gender-balanced random computerized selection process. The remaining applicants are being put on a standby list. This exercise is being carried out in a transparent manner.
New Delhi
May 8, 2006
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