Amaravati, March 17 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to launch the 'Divyang Shakti' scheme on Wednesday, which will provide free bus travel to people with disabilities.
Promoted as a special gift for the Ugadi festival, 'Divyang Shakti' focuses on social equity, mobility, and "last-mile dignity."
"Naidu will launch the 'Divyang Shakti' scheme, offering free bus travel to persons with disabilities across the state – positioning it as a flagship inclusion initiative ahead of the new fiscal cycle," a press release issued on Tuesday said.
Naidu will launch the scheme in the Greenfield capital city of Amaravati. After the launch, in a symbolic gesture, the CM, along with senior leaders, will travel with beneficiaries on Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses.
Later, the CM will host a community lunch for persons with disabilities.
The 'Divyang Shakti' scheme is expected to benefit over 12.76 lakh individuals, including 11.16 lakh persons with disabilities and their attendants, making it one of the largest state-led mobility support programs for the differently-abled in India.
Key features of the scheme include free bus travel for people with disabilities across APSRTC services, a 50% fare concession for attendants accompanying beneficiaries, and eligibility for individuals with over 40% disability.
The scheme will cover 21 categories of disabilities, while the government will spend Rs 207 crore on its implementation through the APSRTC.
In a coordinated statewide rollout, MLAs will simultaneously launch the scheme in their respective constituencies, travel with the beneficiaries, and participate in community outreach events.
