Odisha makes bus travel free for school students

In a major student-friendly move, the Government of Odisha on Wednesday approved the implementation of free bus travel for school students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.

The decision was taken at a High-Level Meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and was formally notified by the School & Mass Education Department.

According to the notification, all school students across the state will now be eligible to travel free of cost in government buses upon producing a valid student ID card or by wearing their school uniform.

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To ensure smooth implementation, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been directed to revisit existing bus routes and timings so that the maximum number of schools can be covered under the operational network. District Education Officers have also been instructed to provide the necessary details for re-mapping bus routes.

Since the scheme is expected to cause some revenue loss, the government has assured that the Commerce & Transport Department will provide the required budgetary support.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School & Mass Education Department, Shalini Pandit, IAS, in her order, requested all concerned departments to take immediate steps for execution and to keep the department informed of progress.

The initiative is expected to significantly ease transportation challenges for students, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, while also encouraging school attendance and reducing the financial burden on parents.

Copies of the order have been forwarded to the CMD of OSRTC, all Revenue Divisional Commissioners, and Collectors for prompt action.