Ensure concession for disabled: Govt

The state government on Monday instructed district collectors and regional transport officers ( RTO) to strictly enforce the provision of concession to physically-challenged passengers in government and private buses. It followed several complaints against bus staff for flouting the guideline.

"It has been made clear that the government allows 50 to 100% concession (depending on type of physical deformity) on bus fare. The collectors and the RTOs should execute it," said an official release.

Going by the existing concession rates fixed by the government, total blind, mentally retarded and orthopedically challenged (50-100% physical deformity) persons would be allowed to travel free in buses whereas their attendants or escorts would be given 50% discount, official sources said. Likewise, orthopedically challenged (40-49% physical deformity) passengers would be given 50% exemption during travel while HIV/AIDS commuters would avail 100% concession.

Bus operators have been asked to reserve two seats (preferably behind conductor's seat) for physically-challenged persons.

Sources said the Mayurbhanj district administration recently imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on a bus operator and suspended the conductor's licence for three months following allegation of violation of the norm at Baripada.


Source : TOI , Bhubaneshwar ( 26th feb 2013 )