Punjab Government’s major step towards supporting Persons with Disabilities
Visually impaired persons to travel free and other categories of differently-abled persons to get 50% concession in government buses
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Punjab Government has released an amount of 84.26 lakh to facilitate the free and concessional travel of visually impaired and differently-abled persons in government buses. This amount forms part of the budget earmarked for providing transport facilities to persons with disabilities.
Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that visually impaired persons are entitled to 100% concession in bus fares on all government buses, while other categories of differently-abled persons are eligible for a 50% fare concession. This facility is available to individuals with 40% or more disability, as per the prescribed norms.
The Minister added that for the year 2025–26, a total budget provision of 3.50 crore has been made under this scheme. Out of this, 2.61 crore has already been utilized, and now an additional 84.26 lakh has been released to ensure the continuous benefit of this facility to eligible beneficiaries.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to making the lives of persons with disabilities more comfortable, secure, and self-reliant. The government’s aim is to provide equal opportunities to every citizen, ensuring that no one is left behind socially or economically.
She further mentioned that besides transport facilities, continuous efforts are being made by the department to promote education, employment, and social empowerment of persons with disabilities so that they can confidently integrate with the mainstream of society.