To ensure the safety of the lakhs of Warkaris who travel on foot to Pandharpur in Dindis during the Ashadhi Wari escorting the Palkhis, the Devendra Fadnavis government has implemented the ‘Vitthal-Rakhumai Warkari Scheme-2026’. Under this scheme, financial assistance will be provided to Warkaris and their families in the event of any accident or untoward incident during the pilgrimage. The government has taken this significant decision in view of the ongoing Ashadhi Wari 2026 pilgrimage.
Security cover for Warkaris
Under the ‘Vitthal-Rakhumai Warkari Insurance Scheme 2026’ launched by the Maharashtra government, security cover is provided to Warkaris during the Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari. This accident assistance scheme offers specific financial aid for accidental death, disability, and medical treatment, with simplified eligibility criteria and an easy application and approval process. Implemented at the initiative of Maharashtra Sevak Devendra Fadnavis, this welfare scheme, which is valid for the duration of the Ashadhi Wari 2026, provides immense benefit and support to lakhs of Warkaris through this insurance coverage.
Scheme Duration
Ashadhi Wari ceremonies have started from 7th July and will continue till 25th July. The Wari ceremony will end on Ashadhi Ekadashi on 25th July. During this period, whoever comes to Pandharpur for Wari, either on foot or by private/public vehicle, will get the benefit of this scheme. Financial assistance will be provided for the treatment of the injured persons and to the families of people who died during the Wari. However, natural death, suicide, poisoning, murder or accident (other than due to Wari related activities) will not be considered for the financial assistance under this scheme.The state government has issued an official decision on July 10, 2026.
Will financial assistance be provided?
Financial assistance under the ‘Vitthal Rakhumai Warkari Yojana 2026’ will be provided to Warkaris or their legal heirs in the event of death or injuries caused by a disaster.
Accidental death: Immediate legal heir will receive ₹4 lakh as financial assistance.
Partial disability (40–60%): ₹74,000 assistance for disability caused by injury or illness during the Wari.
Severe disability (above 60%): ₹2.5 lakh assistance for serious disability caused by injury or illness during the Wari.
Hospitalization (more than one week): ₹16,000 assistance for long-term hospital stay.
Hospitalization (less than one week): ₹5,400 assistance for short-term hospital stay.
Eligibility: Beneficiaries receiving free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme will not be eligible for this financial assistance.
How to Apply
To avail the benefits of this scheme, the affected Warkari or their heirs must apply directly to the District Collector. The state government has authorized the District Collector to distribute assistance under this scheme. The District Collector’s office will verify the documents attached to the application and the severity of the accident. Once verification is complete, the prescribed grant or assistance will be approved and deposited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.
The following documents also to be produced as applicable:
Tehsildar’s Certificate: A certificate from the respective Tehsildar is required to confirm that the Warkari in question had indeed traveled to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Wari 2026. The Tehsildar will verify and confirm the details before issuing this certificate to the Warkari or their heirs upon request.
Death Certificate: A death certificate issued by a competent authority in the event of the Warkari’s accidental death.
Medical Certificate: A hospital certificate if the Warkari is injured or hospitalized.
Disability Certificate: A certificate from a government medical officer specifying the extent of disability, if a disability occurred during the Wari.
Bank Account Details: A copy of the bank passbook for the direct deposit of relief funds.
The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has been established under Section 48(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to provide relief to citizens affected by various natural disasters in the state. The Central Government contributes 75% of the assistance for this fund, while the State Government contributes 25%. However, assistance through SDRF will be available only if the disaster is approved by both the Central and State governments.
Related articles: