Andhra CM launches Divyang Shakti scheme for free bus travel

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched the Divyang Shakti scheme in Amaravati, offering free bus travel for persons with disabilities. The Rs 207 crore programme will benefit over 12.76 lakh individuals and cover 21 categories of disabilities

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched on Wednesday the ‘Divyang Shakti’ scheme, which will offer free bus travel to people with disabilities.

Billed as a special gift for the Ugadi festival, ‘Divyang Shakti’ is focused on social equity, mobility and last-mile dignity.

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Naidu launched the scheme in Amaravati. In a symbolic gesture, the CM, along with senior leaders, travelled with beneficiaries on Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses. Later, he hosted a community lunch for persons with disabilities.

The scheme is expected to benefit over 12.76 lakh individuals, including 11.16 lakh persons with disabilities and their attendants, making it one of the largest state-led mobility support programmes for the differently-abled in India.

Key features include free bus travel across APSRTC services, 50 per cent fare concession for attendants, and eligibility for individuals with over 40 per cent disability. The scheme will cover 21 categories of disabilities, with the government spending Rs 207 crore on its implementation.

In a coordinated rollout, MLAs will simultaneously launch the scheme in their constituencies, travel with beneficiaries, and participate in community outreach events.