Rs 85 lakh released for free travel of blind and other disabled persons: Dr. Baljeet Kaur

The blind will have the facility of completely free travel in government buses, while other disabled categories will get 50 percent concession in fare: Dr. Baljeet Kaur.

Punjab News: Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that the Punjab Government has released an amount of about Rs 84.26 lakh for the assistance of blind and other disabled persons. This amount has been released under the budget specifically earmarked for providing transportation facilities to citizens with disabilities. He said that the Punjab Government has given 100 percent fare concession to blind persons in government buses, while 50 percent fare concession is available to other disabled categories. This facility is for those persons whose disability is 40 percent or more.

Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that a total budget provision of Rs 3 crore 50 lakh has been made under this scheme for the financial year 2025–26, out of which an amount of Rs 2 crore 61 lakh has already been spent. Now the government has released an additional amount of Rs 84.26 lakh, so that the eligible beneficiaries continue to get this facility. He said that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to making the lives of persons with disabilities pleasant, safe and self-reliant. The objective of the government is to ensure that every citizen has equal opportunities, so that no person is left behind socially.

Dr. Baljeet Kaur also said that apart from transportation facilities, continuous efforts are also being made by the government for education, employment and social empowerment of persons with disabilities, so that they can join the mainstream with confidence and live a life with dignity.