Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: In a move aimed at reducing school dropouts and improving access to education, the Odisha government has approved free bus travel for school students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.
According to a notification issued by the Commerce and Transport Department, the proposal of the School and Mass Education Department was cleared following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
the decision replaces the earlier provision of a 50 per cent concession in bus fares for students.
Under the new arrangement, school students will be allowed to travel free of cost in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operating under the MBS scheme.
The initiative is expected to benefit students, particularly in rural and remote areas, where long travel distances have been a major factor contributing to school dropouts.
To operationalise the scheme, a zero-value ticket will be generated for eligible students through the electronic ticket issue machine (ETIM).
Students will be required to either produce a valid school identity card or wear their school uniform while boarding the bus.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been directed to make necessary modifications to its ticketing software to facilitate the implementation of the free travel facility.
The notification further stated that existing bus routes and timings will be reviewed to ensure maximum coverage of schools under the MBS network, thereby improving connectivity and easing daily commutes for students across the state.
