The “Free Bus Pass for Media Persons” scheme supports professional travel for media personnel in Puducherry in the form of free bus passes for use in Puducherry Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) buses, except town buses. This initiative provides for free travel to eligible media persons to perform their professional duties.
Key Benefits
- Free Bus Pass: Valid for one year for professional travel.
- Quick Processing:
- Fresh Applications: Processed within two weeks from the application date.
- Renewals: Processed within two days from the application date.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a native of Puducherry by birth or have resided continuously in the Union Territory for not less than five years.
- Professional Requirement:
- Experience: The candidate must have been working as a media person in Print/Electronic Media/News Agency for at least three years in Puducherry.
- The applicant must be employed full-time as one of the following:
- Editor
- News Editor
- Sub Editor
- Reporter
- Press Photographer
- Videographer
- Correspondent
- Current Employment:
- The applicant must currently be employed in a media-related role in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Application Process
Offline Application for Fresh Pass
- Write a Formal Letter:
- Address the letter to The Director, Department of Information & Publicity.
- Attach Documents:
- Gather the required documents (listed below), self-attest if needed, and attach them with the application.
- Submit Application:
- Submit the letter and documents to:
The Director
Department of Information & Publicity
18, Belcombe Street, Puducherry – 605 001
Contact: +91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078
Email: info.pon at nic.in
- Submit the letter and documents to:
Offline Application for Renewal
- Prepare a Renewal Application Letter:
- Attach a copy of the expired bus pass and one stamp-sized photograph.
- Submit Documents:
- Deliver the application to the address mentioned above.
Documents Required
For Fresh Application:
- Nativity/Residence Certificate (Form-II):
- Issued by an officer of the Revenue Department, not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
- Three Stamp-Sized Photographs.
- Service Certificate (Form-II):
- Should include the designation, nature of the post (full-time/part-time), period of service, and place of work issued by the employer.
For Renewal Application:
- Copy of the Expired Bus Pass.
- One Stamp-Sized Photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the processing time for a fresh application?
- Fresh applications are processed within two weeks of submission.
- Can the free bus pass be used for personal travel?
- No, the pass is intended solely for professional travel.
- Is there a specific time frame for submitting applications?
- Applications can be submitted year-round during office hours.
- Can media persons from other states residing in Puducherry apply?
- No, only native residents or those who have resided in Puducherry for at least five years are eligible.
- What should applicants do in case of errors in the issued bus pass?
- Report the issue immediately to the Department of Information & Publicity for rectification.
- Is there a provision for emergency travel?
- No specific provision exists for emergency travel.
- What is the contact information for inquiries related to the scheme?
- Address: Department of Information & Publicity, 18, Belcombe Street, Puducherry – 605 001
Phone: +91-413-2334398
Email: info.pon AT nic.in
- Address: Department of Information & Publicity, 18, Belcombe Street, Puducherry – 605 001
- Are part-time media persons eligible?
- No, only full-time media persons are eligible.
- How long is the free bus pass valid?
- The pass is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- Are there any fees associated with the application process?
- No, the application process is free of cost.
- What roles qualify as “media persons” under the scheme?
- Editor, News Editor, Sub Editor, Reporter, Press Photographer, Videographer, and Correspondent.
Sources and References
- Guidelines & Citizen’s Charter: Available at the Department of Information & Publicity.
- Contact Details: +91-413-2334398
- Application Form: Obtainable from the Department of Information & Publicity.