Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards supporting schoolchildren, the Odisha government has approved free bus travel for students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.
According to an official communication issued by Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department to all District Education Officers on Wednesday, all school students will be eligible to travel free of cost on buses by producing a valid student identity card or by wearing their school uniform.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been asked to revisit and modify existing bus routes and schedules to ensure maximum coverage of schools across the state.
District Education Officers have been directed to provide the necessary school-related information to the Regional Transport Officers and District Managers of OSRTC for effective implementation of the scheme.
The initiative, officials said, is aimed at easing students’ access to schools, reducing travel costs for families, and promoting regular attendance.
