Free Bus Pass for Media Persons

Description
The "Free Bus Pass for Media Persons" scheme, introduced by the Department of Information & Publicity, Union Territory of Puducherry, aims to provide a free bus pass facility to media persons working in Puducherry in Puducherry Road Transport Corporation buses except town buses to undertake journeys for their professional requirements.

Benefits
• Free bus pass (valid for one year) for professional travel needs.
• Time Limit for Issue of a Fresh Bus Pass: Two weeks from the date of application.
• Time Limit for Renewal of the Expired Bus Pass: Two days form the date of application.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant should be a citizen of India.
2. - The applicant should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence for not less than five years.
3. - The applicant should have served for a minimum of three years as a media person in the Print/Electronic Media/News Agency in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
4. - The applicant should be employed as a media person in any Print/Electronic Media/News Agency during the application.
5. - The term "Media person" includes individuals serving as a full-time Editor / News Editor / Sub Editor / Reporter / Press Photographer / Videographer / Correspondent of Print / Electronic Media / News Agency within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Application Process
Step 1: For both Fresh Applications and Renewal Applications, the applicant should write a formal letter, attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required), and submit the same to -
The Director
Department of Information & Publicity
…
Offline

For both Fresh Applications and Renewal Applications, the applicant should write a formal letter, attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required), and submit the same to -
The Director
Department of Information & Publicity
18, Belcombe Street, Puducherry - 605 001
+91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078
[email protected]
*The Office Timings are Monday to Friday, 08:45 am to 01:00 pm & 02:00 pm to 05:45 pm.

Required Documents
• Nativity/Residence Certificate (Form-II), issued by the Officer of the Revenue Department not below the rank of a Deputy Tahsildar;
• Three stamp-sized photographs.
• Service Certificate (Form-II) showing the designation, the nature of the post (full-time or part-time), period of service, and the place of work from the former employer.
• An attested copy of the expired Bus Pass.
• One stamp-sized photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected processing time for a fresh application?
A: The processing time may vary, and applicants are advised to contact the Department of Information & Publicity for updates on the status of their applications.

Q: Can the free bus pass be used for personal travel as well?
A: The pass is intended solely for professional travel needs of media persons and is not valid for personal travel.

Q: Is there a specific time frame for submitting the application during the year?
A: The application process is ongoing, and interested individuals can submit their applications throughout the year.

Q: Can media persons from other states residing in Puducherry apply for the scheme?
A: No, only Indian citizens who are natives of the Union Territory of Puducherry or have continuous residence for at least five years are eligible to apply.

Q: What steps should an applicant take if there is an error in the issued bus pass?
A: In case of errors, applicants should contact the Department of Information & Publicity for resolution, providing necessary details and documentation.

Q: Is there any provision for emergency travel in addition to regular professional travel?
A: The scheme specifically caters to professional travel needs, and emergency travel provisions are not outlined as part of the benefits.

Q: What is the contact information for inquiries related to the scheme?
A: For inquiries, applicants can contact the Department of Information & Publicity at +91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078, or through email at [email protected].

Q: Can part-time media persons apply for the scheme?
A: Yes, part-time media persons can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have served for a minimum of three years in the specified roles.

Q: How long is the free bus pass valid once granted?
A: The free bus pass is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Q: Are there any fees associated with the application process?
A: The scheme provides the free bus pass to eligible media persons, and there are no fees associated with the application process.

Q: Where can I find the Scheme Guidelines and Citizen's Charter for more information?
A: The Scheme Guidelines can be found at https://info.py.gov.in/archive-government-order, and the Citizen's Charter is available at https://py.gov.in/sites/default/files/citizens-charterinfopublicity.pdf.

Q: What are the specific roles considered as "media person" under the eligibility criteria?
A: The term "media person" includes individuals serving as a full-time Editor, News Editor, Sub Editor, Reporter, Press Photographer, Videographer, or Correspondent of Print/Electronic Media/News Agency within the Union Territory of Puducherry.