NewKerala.com

Andhra's Ugadi Gift: Free Bus Travel for 12.7 Lakh Differently-Abled

The Andhra Pradesh government will launch the 'Divyang Shakti' scheme, offering free bus travel to differently-abled citizens across the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the program on Ugadi, with Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and other leaders present. The scheme, with an annual allocation of Rs 207 crore, will benefit over 12.76 lakh individuals, including persons with disabilities and their attendants. This initiative expands the state's welfare model from women's mobility under 'Stree Shakti' to include disability inclusion.

Key Points: Free Bus Travel for Differently-Abled in Andhra Pradesh

  • Free travel for 12.7 lakh people
  • 50% fare for attendants
  • Rs 207 crore annual outlay
  • Covers 21 disability categories
  • Statewide MLA-led launch
2 min read

Different-abled in Andhra Pradesh to get free bus travel facility

Andhra CM launches Divyang Shakti, offering free bus travel to over 12.7 lakh persons with disabilities. A major welfare scheme for mobility.

"welfare with scale - Andhra Pradesh Government"

Amaravati, March 17

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch a scheme, offering free bus travel to differently-abled citizens across the state.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch the 'Divyang Shakti' scheme on Wednesday as a special Ugadi gift for 12.7 lakh differently-abled people.

The government said that the scheme underscores its renewed focus on social equity, mobility, and last-mile dignity, while also reinforcing its governance narrative of "welfare with scale."

The Chief Minister will formally inaugurate the programme in Amaravati in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister Nara Lokesh, and BJP state president PVN Madhav - signalling a coordinated NDA political messaging around inclusive governance, said an official release.

Chief Minister Naidu and senior leaders will travel alongside beneficiaries on RTC buses post-launch. The Chief Minister will also host a community lunch for people with disabilities, reinforcing the administration's emphasis on empathy-led governance.

The Divyang Shakti Scheme is expected to benefit over 12.76 lakh individuals, including 11.16 lakh persons with disabilities and their attendants, making it one of the largest state-led mobility support programmes for the differently-abled in India.

Key features of the scheme include free bus travel for persons with disabilities across Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) services, 50 per cent fare concession for attendants accompanying beneficiaries, and eligibility for individuals with over 40 per cent disability.

The scheme's coverage expanded across 21 categories of disabilities. The government will annually provide Rs 207 crore to APSRTC for the implementation of 'Divyang Shakti'.

In a coordinated statewide rollout, MLAs will simultaneously launch the scheme in their constituencies, travel with beneficiaries, and participate in community outreach events.

The launch of 'Divyang Shakti' builds on the success of the 'Stree Shakti' scheme, under which women in Andhra Pradesh have undertaken over 52 crore free bus journeys, backed by a government outlay exceeding Rs 1,826 crore.

By extending similar mobility rights to persons with disabilities, the Naidu government is broadening its welfare template beyond gender to disability inclusion, a move that is likely to resonate strongly in both social and political discourse, the release added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but implementation is key. APSRTC buses need to be more accessible first. Many buses have high steps and no ramps. Hope the 207 crore also goes towards improving bus infrastructure for easy boarding.
A
Arjun K
Stree Shakti was a game changer for my mother and sister. Extending this to our divyang brothers and sisters is the right thing to do. Dignity and mobility are fundamental rights. Hope other states follow AP's lead.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with disability NGOs, I'm cautiously optimistic. The 50% concession for attendants is a thoughtful touch. The real test will be in rural areas – will bus drivers and conductors be sensitized properly?
V
Vikram M
While the scheme is commendable, it feels like a political event. The CM traveling with beneficiaries and community lunch is good for optics, but what about long-term support like job quotas and accessible public buildings? This is just one piece of the puzzle.
K
Kavya N
My heart is so full reading this! 12.7 lakh people... that's massive. The community lunch shows real empathy, not just a policy on paper. Hope this brings a smile to so many faces this Ugadi. 💖

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50