Finance
The Odisha government has announced free bus travel for school pupils as part of the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva project, which is a significant step toward improving educational access. The decision replaces the existing provision for a 50% discount on ticket rates for students.
The Commerce and Transport Department has published a notice establishing the new arrangement. The move followed a recommendation from the School and Mass Education Department, which was examined and approved on August 21 at a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
According to the notification, the effort intends to reduce school dropouts caused by long travel distances while also improving access to educational institutions, particularly in rural and distant locations.
Under the updated policy, school students will be able to travel for free on both AC and non-AC buses operated by the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva. This is a major enhancement of benefits, as the previous system only provided a 50% fare concession.
To make the process easier, qualified students will receive a zero-value ticket from the Electronic Ticket Issue Machine (ETIM). Students must either present a valid school identification card or be dressed in school uniform before boarding the bus.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been asked to modify its ticketing software in order to provide the free travel service.
The notification further noted that existing bus routes and schedules will be evaluated to ensure that the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva network covers as many schools as possible.
The project is expected to make daily commutes easier for kids across the state and encourage regular school attendance, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving school education in Odisha.
