A Step Towards Equality: Mann Govt. Spends ₹85 Lakh to Ensure Free Mobility for the Visually Impaired and Disabled  

Chandigarh, October 23, 2025: The journey of life is not easy for everyone. Among us are some brave companions who, despite challenges like disability or blindness, move forward with courage every day. For them, reaching even a bus seat is often no less than a major struggle—not just physically, but economically too. In such a scenario, the Mann government of Punjab has taken a decision that is not just a part of governance but the highest example of humanity. This decision opens all those doors that often remained closed for these special citizens of ours. The government has released a large sum of ₹85 lakh to continue their free bus travel facility. This decision shows how important the welfare of every section of society is to the government.
₹85 Lakh! This is not merely a number. It is the fuel for millions of dreams, which will continue the facility of free bus travel for disabled and blind individuals. Imagine, now they can go to school, search for employment, or travel long distances to meet their loved ones without any worry. This initiative proves that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann does not just make announcements but works with sincerity. This amount is an investment in their dignity, so that they can overcome every challenge and join the mainstream of society with confidence and self-reliance.
This step by the Mann government has come as a new ray of hope, indicating that a developed society is one where no individual is left behind for any reason. This amount is not just money; it is respect, convenience, and above all, a message that 'you are not alone.' This move will bring a new smile to the faces of those who can now go to school, work, or reach the doctor without any concern. This initiative has proven that for a sensitive government, every citizen of society is priceless. This is a big step by the Punjab government, which shows that when intentions are clear, every obstacle can be overcome.
Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, while providing information, said that the Punjab government has released an amount of ₹84.26 lakh to assist the visually impaired and disabled persons. This amount is part of the budget allocated for providing transport facilities to the disabled. Giving further information in this regard, she stated that visually impaired persons are given a 100 percent concession on fare in government buses, while individuals in other disabled categories are given a 50 percent, or half, concession. This facility is available to disabled persons with 40 percent or more disability.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that a budget provision of ₹3 crore 50 lakh has been made for the year 2025-26 under this scheme, out of which ₹2 crore 61 lakh has already been spent. Now the government has released an additional amount of ₹84.26 lakh so that eligible beneficiaries continue to receive this facility. She said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is committed to making the lives of disabled persons easy, safe, and self-reliant. Dr. Baljit Kaur said that besides transport facilities, the department is also continuously striving for the education, employment, and social empowerment of the disabled so that they can join the mainstream with confidence.
The government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has proved that social justice and respect for every citizen are included in their priority. This initiative is an inspiration for society to collectively create a better and equal opportunity society for the disabled. This step has brought joy to the faces of thousands of disabled and blind people in Punjab. It shows how big and positive a change comes in society when the government works with sensitivity. This amount of ₹85 lakh is not just a government figure; it is a means of giving flight to millions of hopes and dreams. It shows that in Punjab, service is governance.