Amaravati, Mar 17 (TNT): The Andhra Pradesh government will roll out the ‘Divyang Shakti’ scheme on Wednesday, providing free bus travel in RTC services for persons with disabilities (PwD) across the state.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the scheme in Amaravati in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister Nara Lokesh and BJP Andhra Pradesh president PVN Madhav.
The launch coincides with Ugadi and is aimed at promoting inclusive governance and enhancing mobility for persons with disabilities.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries will travel along with beneficiaries, and a community lunch will be organised.
The scheme is expected to benefit over 12.76 lakh people, including 11.16 lakh persons with disabilities and their attendants.
It provides free travel in RTC buses, including services under the Stree Shakti initiative, and offers a 50 per cent fare concession for attendants accompanying eligible beneficiaries.
Eligible beneficiaries include individuals with over 40 per cent disability, with coverage extended across multiple disability categories.
The state government will extend an annual financial support of ₹207 crore to APSRTC for implementation of the scheme.
In a statewide programme, MLAs will launch the initiative in their respective constituencies, travel with beneficiaries in RTC buses and participate in community meals.
The scheme follows an announcement made by the Chief Minister on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3.
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