Raipur, 26 September 2024/ In a significant step towards improving the lives of differently-abled individuals, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai distributed free bus passes to seven beneficiaries at a special event held in Bagia village, Jashpur. Along with the passes, the Chief Minister presented shawls and coconuts as a mark of respect and appreciation to the recipients.
At the event, Shri Sai handed out free bus passes to differently-abled individuals such as Lakshmi Bai, Vikas Nayak, Tijanu Ram, Dev Kumar Chauhan, Sandhya Sidar, Sonam Sidar, Sushila Tigga, Sushila Bai Nayak, and Pooja Narange, including several senior citizens. For the first time, the facility was also extended to Sonam Sidar, an 18-year-old suffering from Sickle Cell disease, and Dev Kumar Chauhan, an 8-year-old child.
It is noteworthy that under the Chhattisgarh Government’s Social Welfare Department, the ‘Free Bus Travel Pass for Differently-abled’ scheme is being implemented as per the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This initiative is carried out in coordination with the State Transport Department, wherein free bus passes and concession certificates for rail travel are issued to eligible individuals.
Challenges of Differently-abled Individuals Addressed
Sonam Sidar, a resident of Charaidand, shared her experience, stating that she frequently had to travel to Jashpur or other major cities for medical treatment due to her condition. With the availability of a free bus pass, her travel expenses will now be significantly reduced, enabling her to focus more on her education. Similarly, Vikas Nayak, who suffers from locomotor disability, mentioned that he previously faced difficulties while traveling. Now, with the free bus pass, he can travel not just within the state but also to other states. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Sai for this thoughtful initiative.
