Issue of Free Bus Pass to Differently Abled Person

Description
The scheme “Issue of Free Bus Pass to Differently Abled Person” was launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry. The scheme provides free bus passes to all the differently abled persons to facilitate their mobility/transport in buses run by the Government and non-governmental organizations within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Benefits
• Free Bus Passes in Buses Run by the Government and Non Governmental Organizations, Within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant should be a Native/Resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
2. - The annual income of the applicant should not exceed ₹ 75,000/-.
3. - The applicant should have a disability of 40% or above.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the Office/ Sub-Office of the Department of Social Welfare, and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the staff exclusively entrusted to issu…
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The interested applicant should take print of the prescribed format of the application form.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
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Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the authority given below -
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Puducherry: The Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
Karaikal: The Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
Mahe / Yanam: The Welfare Officer (i\c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).

Step 4: Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (i…
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Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

Step 5: Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
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Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.

Step 6: Step 2: At the top right corner of the home page, click "Login". In the login screen, click "Register a New Membership".
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Step 2: At the top right corner of the home page, click "Login". In the login screen, click "Register a New Membership".

Step 7: Step 3: On the Registration Page, fill in all the mandatory fields: Username, Password, Confirm Password, Personal Details (Full Name, First Name, Email Address, Address, Current Address, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number). Agree to the declara…
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Step 3: On the Registration Page, fill in all the mandatory fields: Username, Password, Confirm Password, Personal Details (Full Name, First Name, Email Address, Address, Current Address, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number). Agree to the declaration. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Signup".

Step 8: Step 4: Visit the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
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Step 4: Visit the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.

Step 9: Step 5: At the top right corner of the home page, click "Login". In the login screen, provide your Username and Password, fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Sign In".
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Step 5: At the top right corner of the home page, click "Login". In the login screen, provide your Username and Password, fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Sign In".

Step 10: Step 6: On the next screen, a list of schemes by the Government of Puducherry will be displayed Department-wise.
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Step 6: On the next screen, a list of schemes by the Government of Puducherry will be displayed Department-wise.

Step 11: Step 7: Click on the scheme you wish to apply for. You will be taken to its online application form.
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Step 7: Click on the scheme you wish to apply for. You will be taken to its online application form.

Step 12: Step 8: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
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Step 8: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).

Step 13: Step 9: Tick the declaration stating "I hereby declare that the above-mentioned details are true and correct as per the best of my Knowledge". Submit the application and note the application number for tracking your application. The application nu…
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*Track Your Application here
* Access the User Manual for Online Application here

Required Documents
• Aadhaar Card.
• Ration Card.
• Residence-cum-nativity Certificate, Issued by the Competent Authority.
• Recent Passport-size Photograph.
• Bank Passbook.
• Caste Certificate.
• Disability Certificate / Medical Certificate.
• Financial Assistance Identity Card.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any penalties for misuse of the free bus passes?
A: The scheme information does not mention penalties. However, beneficiaries should use the passes according to the specified guidelines.

Q: Does the scheme cover transport outside the Union Territory of Puducherry?
A: No, the free bus passes are specifically applicable for travel within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Q: Is there an age limit for applicants to qualify for the free bus pass?
A: The scheme does not specify an age limit; eligibility is determined based on residency, income, and disability criteria.

Q: Can individuals with a disability below 40% apply for the scheme?
A: No, only individuals with a disability of 40% or above are eligible to apply for the free bus pass.

Q: How does the scheme contribute to the mobility of differently-abled individuals?
A: The scheme facilitates the mobility of differently-abled persons by providing them with free bus passes, promoting independent travel within Puducherry.

Q: Can non-residents of Puducherry avail of this scheme?
A: No, the scheme is exclusive to individuals who have been residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the type of buses covered by the free bus passes?
A: The free bus passes are valid for use on buses run by both government and non-governmental organizations within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Q: Who is the designated authority for delayed benefits in Karaikal?
A: In Karaikal, applicants should contact The Collector for addressing any delay in the disbursal of benefits.

Q: Where should applicants in Mahe/Yanam contact in case of delayed benefits?
A: Applicants in Mahe/Yanam should contact The Regional Administrator for addressing delays in benefit disbursal.

Q: What is the maximum permissible annual income for applicants?
A: To be eligible, the annual income of applicants should not exceed [?]75,000.

Q: What are the residency requirements for eligibility?
A: Applicants must be residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry for a minimum of 5 years to qualify for the scheme.

Q: What level of disability is considered for eligibility?
A: Applicants must have a disability of 40% or above to qualify for the free bus pass scheme.