Free bus travel for specially-abled individuals launched

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has launched the "Divyang Shakti" initiative, providing free bus travel for specially-abled individuals in APSRTC services as an Ugadi gift. This transformative welfare scheme aims to remove mobility barriers, enhance accessibility, and foster confidence and independence among beneficiaries. The scheme applies to individuals with more than 40 percent disability across 21 categories and is expected to benefit approximately 12.76 lakh people, including attendants.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched the initiative, stating that it has given him great satisfaction and happiness. He emphasized that persons with disabilities are not disabled, but rather differently-abled individuals with unique talents. The government has committed an annual allotment of Rs 207 crore for the scheme's implementation, underscoring its focus on social justice and inclusive growth.

The initiative is expected to save beneficiaries up to Rs 2,000 per month and enhance opportunities for education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion. This is part of the government's efforts to support divyang people, including providing tricycles, two-wheelers, and pensions.

As part of the launch of 'Divyang Shakti' the bus journey started from Mangalagiri Bus Stand along the Old Mangalagiri route, drawing widespread public attention and participation.
Chandrababu Naidu, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh took part in the programme, traveling along with divyang individuals in a Palle Velugu bus.
Throughout the journey, the leaders warmly greeted citizens gathered along both sides of the road and engaged directly with divyang individuals, listening to their concerns, understanding their challenges and gaining first hand insights into their daily experiences.
Following the completion of the program, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Dy CM Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh participated in the lunch hosted for divyang individuals to celebrate the launch of the scheme.
The 'Divyang Shakti' scheme provides free bus travel for divyang individuals in services operated by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, including City Ordinary, Metro Express, Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, and Express buses. By improving access to transportation, the program significantly enhances opportunities for education, healthcare, employment and social inclusion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister asserted that the launch of Divyanga Shakti scheme has given him great satisfaction and happiness.He said persons with disabilities are not disabled'they are differently-abled individuals with unique talents, who have the strength to overcome challenges and achieve success.Earlier, the government supported divyang people through Cheyutha program and provided tricycles and also two-wheelers to boost their confidence.
He said the state government providing a Rs 6,000 pension to persons with disabilities and providing Rs 10,000 for those with severe health issues and Rs 15,000 for those who are bedridden. The government spending Rs 33,000 crore annually on pensions. With the free travel facility introduced today physically challenged people can travel free for their work spots and needs without any expense, saving up to Rs 2,000 per month.
The Chief Minister said through Divyanga Shakti the government is providing free bus travel to 12.75 lakh specially abled people.He said under the Stree Shakti scheme introduced for women so far, there have been 52 crore journeys recorded. Now, with Divyanga Shakti, lakhs of people will benefit, he said.