Govt declares free bus pass for students

Mumbai: With an eye on the Lok Sabha elections, the Maharashtra government has decided to give free bus passes to class 12 students across the state. In addition to this, the youth, who are pursuing technical courses like ITI, will also be given a free pass. The state, which is already under revenue deficit, will have to pay the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), also known as ST, Rs 1,800 crore annually for this. The decision was announced by transport minister Diwakar Raote on Tuesday. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis led cabinet approved the proposal to extend the scope of the free bus concessions. The decision will help 2.18 crore people.

Addressing a press conference at Mantralaya on Tuesday, Mr Raote said that the new concessions include free ST passes to rural girls studying up to class 12 to give impetus to girl education.

Earlier, this facility was applicable to girls up to class 10. Mr Raote said that senior citizens (above 65 years of age) would also get concession in the air-conditioned (AC) Shivshahi buses. In addition to this, journalists too are permitted for free travel in Shivshahi buses.