Ranchi, Mar 5 (IANS): Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das here on Monday handed over cheques of Rs 1 lakh each to pilgrims from the state to Kailash Mansarovar.

As a token gesture, 15 people were handed over cheques of Rs 1 lakh each at a programme organised at the Chief Minister's residence.

According to Rahul Sharma, Secretary, Tourism Department, 75 people had applied for the grant for undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The remaining applicants will be handed over cheques after proper verification.

Speaking on the occasion, Das said: "The Jharkhand government is sending people to religious places under the 'Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana'. Under the scheme, Rs 1 lakh each is given to economically weak people to travel to Kailsh Mansarovar".

"More than 5,000 people have been benefited by the scheme," Das said.

"The state government is also developing tourist places in Jharkhand. The state would soon be recognised for its tourism sector at the international level," the Chief Minister said.

Das also greeted the people on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.