Free Travel in S.T Bus to the Disabled Persons is a social welfare scheme by the Government of Gujarat that gives free public transport to persons with disabilities. Eligible people can travel on all Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation buses across the state and up to the final stop even on routes that go outside Gujarat.
This scheme is run by the Director Social Defence under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. It is fully funded by the state government and is open for online applications through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal. Persons with 40 percent or more disability can apply for a free bus pass and enjoy easy travel across the state.
Free Travel in S.T Bus to the Disabled Persons - Introduction
Free Travel in S.T Bus to the Disabled Persons offers inclusive travel benefits to eligible citizens of Gujarat. Under this scheme, a person with disability gets free travel in all types of buses operated by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation. The benefit covers all state routes and also allows travel up to the final station of any bus route even when the journey goes outside Gujarat. The state government fully funds this scheme to support the mobility and independence of eligible people.
Applications are accepted online on the esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in portal. The benefit can also be given in a single day through the Digital Gujarat portal under the Digital Seva Setu at e-gram centres. The authority to check and approve online applications rests with the concerned District Social Security Officer. Once approved, the District Social Defence Officer issues a personalized bus card to the applicant.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Free Travel in S.T Bus to the Disabled Persons |
| Level | State |
| Target Beneficiary | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Implementing Agency | Office of The District Social Defence Officer, Gujarat |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in |
Benefits
When a person takes part in Free Travel in S.T Bus to the Disabled Persons, the following support is provided:
- Free travel access is given on all bus services operated by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation.
- A person can travel free up to the very last station of the bus route, even when the journey goes outside Gujarat.
- The District Social Defence Officer issues a personalized card once the official application is approved.
- People with 80 percent or more disability in some categories also get free travel for their attendant or a 50 percent fare discount, depending on the type of disability.
Eligibility
To get the benefit of this scheme, a person must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant should be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
- The applicant should hold a disability certificate showing 40 percent or more disability to qualify for the travel benefit.
Application Process
The online application process on the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal is simple. Follow these steps to register and apply:
STEP 1 - Visit the official e-Samaj Kalyan Portal.
STEP 2 - Go to the 'Citizen Login' section and click on the 'Please Register Here' link to create an account.
STEP 3 - Enter personal details such as full name as per Aadhaar card, date of birth, gender and contact information, then complete the registration.
STEP 4 - After registration, log in using the newly created User ID and Password.
STEP 5 - Update the 'User Profile' with all mandatory information and save the changes.
STEP 6 - Select the scheme from the home page menu to open the application form.
STEP 7 - Fill out the form accurately and upload digital copies of all required documents.
STEP 8 - Review the details, agree to the terms and conditions and click on 'Save Application' to submit the request.
STEP 9 - Print the final application for personal records and note the application number to track status. The User Manual can be viewed for further help.
Documents
The following list of required documents should be kept ready while applying:
- A recent passport-size photograph.
- A copy of the Aadhaar card.
- A valid proof of residence such as Ration Card, Electricity Bill, Driving License or Election Card.
- A proof of age document like School Leaving Certificate, Medical Certificate or Birth Certificate.
- A certified Disability Medical Certificate issued by the District Civil Surgeon or Medical Superintendent showing the percentage of disability.
References
For more details, these official links can be visited:
- Official Website
- Scheme Details
- Application Status
- Scheme Details (Page 79)
- Scheme Details (Page 475)
- E-samaj Kalyan Portal
FAQ's
Who is eligible for free travel under this scheme?
A person is eligible if they are a resident of Gujarat and hold a disability certificate showing 40 percent or more disability.
What are the benefits of this scheme?
Eligible people get free travel on all Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation buses, including journeys to the final station even when the route ends outside Gujarat.
What types of buses are covered under this scheme?
All bus categories operated by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation fall under this scheme.
Are there any limitations on where beneficiaries can travel?
No, eligible people can travel freely across state routes and continue until the final destination of the bus route, even if it is across state lines.
How is eligibility determined?
Eligibility depends on the confirmed disability percentage, which must reach the 40 percent threshold.
Is there a specific authority responsible for issuing eligibility cards?
Yes, the District Social Defence Officer issues the bus card once the application is reviewed and approved.
Is the scheme funded by the state government?
Yes, the Government of Gujarat provides full funding for this welfare scheme.
Is there an application process for this scheme?
Yes, a person can apply online through the official e-Samaj Kalyan Portal.