‘Extend fare concession to physically challenged’

A joint circular issued by commerce and transport and women and child development departments

All collectors and regional transport officers (RTO) have been asked to strictly enforce the provisions of allowing fare concession and seat reservation for physically challenged persons in all government and private buses plying in their respective areas including inter-State buses.

In a joint circular issued by both commerce and transport and women and child development departments, collectors and RTOs have been further instructed to take exemplary action against persons violating the provision. It needs to be mentioned that the State government has allowed 50 per cent to 100 per cent concession of fare in all the government and private buses plying in the State.

Persons with total blind, mentally retarded and orthopaedically challenged with 50 to 100 per cent bodily deformity are entitled to get 100 per cent concession while their escorts should get 50 per cent concession. Immune deficiency (HIV/AIDS) persons will be getting 100 per cent concession.

According to the circular, free luggage up to 15 kgs per person has been allowed. However, every additional 20 kg luggage shall be charged at 7 paise per km.

The two departments said since this element of concession had been factored in to bus fare structure, it was obligatory on part of all buses to allow this concession to all eligible persons.

However, physically challenged persons would have to produce identity cards for availing the concession.

Similarly, it has been clarified that two seats near the door preferably seats behind conductor’s seat be kept reserved for physically challenged persons.

Source : The Hindu , Bhubaneshwar ( 27th feb 2013 )