The Free Travel in S.T Bus to the Disabled Persons scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Director Social Defence, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. This scheme is designed to offer free travel facilities on all types of buses operated by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) to persons with disabilities (PwDs) across the state. In addition, the scheme extends its benefits to journeys beyond Gujarat, covering travel up to the final station on the bus route when traveling out-of-state. Fully funded by the state government, the scheme aims to enhance mobility, promote social inclusion, and ease the travel-related financial burden on PwDs.
Benefits
- Free Travel: Enjoy unlimited free travel on all GSRTC buses within Gujarat.
- Extended Benefit: Free travel is also available up to the final station for journeys extending outside the state.
- Issuance of Travel Card: A dedicated travel card is issued by the District Social Defence Officer, which facilitates access to these benefits.
- State-Funded Initiative: The scheme is fully funded by the Government of Gujarat, ensuring no cost to the beneficiary.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scheme, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Gujarat.
- Possess a disability of 40% or more as determined by a certified medical assessment.
Application Process (Online)
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal:
- Navigate to https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/.
- User Registration:
- Under the “Citizen Login” tab, click on “New User – Please Register Here”.
- Enter your details including Full Name (as per Aadhaar), Gender, Date of Birth, Aadhaar Card Number, Email ID, Caste, etc., and click “Register”.
- Profile Update:
- Log in using your User ID and Password.
- Click on “User Profile” to update your details and then click “Update”.
- Select the Scheme:
- Choose the Free Travel scheme from the home page to open the application form.
- Fill in the Application Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields and upload all the relevant documents.
- Agree and Submit:
- Agree to the terms and conditions and click “Save Application”.
- Submit the application form and print a copy for future reference. Note down the application number to track your application status later.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Residence: (e.g., Ration Card, Electricity Bill, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, or Election Card)
- Proof of Age: (e.g., School Leaving Certificate, Medical Certificate, or Birth Certificate)
- Disability Medical Certificate: Issued by the District Civil Surgeon or Medical Superintendent, indicating the percentage of disability
- Any Other Documents: As specified by the scheme guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is eligible for free travel under this scheme?
A1: The scheme is available to residents of Gujarat with a disability of 40% or more.
Q2: What are the benefits of this scheme?
A2: It provides free travel on all GSRTC buses within Gujarat and up to the final station on bus routes when traveling out-of-state.
Q3: What types of buses are covered under this scheme?
A3: The benefit covers all types of buses operated by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation.
Q4: Are there any limitations on where beneficiaries can travel?
A4: Free travel is available on all GSRTC bus routes within Gujarat, with the benefit extending to the last station on the route for journeys outside the state.
Q5: How is eligibility determined?
A5: Eligibility is based on residency in Gujarat and having a disability of 40% or more, as certified by a recognized medical authority.
Q6: Is there a specific authority responsible for issuing eligibility cards?
A6: Yes, a travel card is issued by the District Social Defence Officer upon approval of the application.
Q7: Is the scheme funded by the state government?
A7: Yes, the scheme is fully funded by the Government of Gujarat.
Q8: Is there an application process for this scheme?
A8: Yes, applications are submitted online through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal following the steps outlined above.