Bhubaneswar: In a major step to improve access to education, the Odisha government has announced free bus travel for school students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme. The decision replaces the existing provision of a 50 per cent concession in ticket fares for students.
The Commerce and Transport Department has issued a notification implementing the new arrangement. The move follows a proposal from the School and Mass Education Department, which was discussed and approved during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on August 21.
According to the notification, the initiative aims to reduce school dropouts caused by long travel distances and ensure easier access to educational institutions, especially in rural and remote areas.
Under the revised policy, school students will be allowed to travel free of cost in both AC and non-AC buses operating under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva. This marks a significant expansion of benefits, as the earlier scheme offered only a 50 per cent fare concession.
To facilitate the process, a zero-value ticket will be generated through the Electronic Ticket Issue Machine (ETIM) for eligible students. Students must either produce a valid school identity card or be in school uniform while boarding the bus.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been directed to make necessary modifications to its ticketing software to enable the implementation of the free travel facility.
The notification further stated that existing bus routes and timings will be reviewed to ensure that the maximum number of schools are covered under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva network.
The initiative is expected to ease the daily commute for students across the state and promote regular school attendance, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening school education in Odisha.
