Persons with disabilities are disappointed that a government order for free travel in buses has still not been formulated. Since its announcement in the State Budget in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in August, 2026.
While women with disabilities are automatically covered under the Vetri Payanam scheme where women and transpersons can travel in State buses for free, men with disabilities have not been included.
The announcement made by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister K. Jegadeshwari expanded it to persons with disabilities and their companions with a UDID card. However, as there has been no G.O. published in this regard, men with disabilities continue to wait to avail themselves of the scheme.
Nethrodaya founder C. Govindakrishnan said, “The G.O. for free bus travel for persons with disabilities has not been issued even after 53 days of the announcement. This inordinate delay has prevented eligible persons with disabilities from availing the free travel in government buses.”
Jhansi Rani, State general secretary of Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers, said the scheme is important as women with disabilities might be accompanied by male caregivers. “In this regard, they would be made to pay for their travel, increasing their expenses. Further, persons with disabilities are usually not allowed to go out due to the extra financial expenses, the delay in the G.O. to include men with disabilities adds to their reduced travel,” she said.
Govindakrishnan pointed out that a proposal to the Welfare of the Differently Abled Department Secretary was forwarded only on September 16.
He also alleged that the Commissioner of the Welfare of the Differently Abled Department had included women with disabilities in the proposal, when they were already covered in the scheme. “The proposal submitted by the Commissioner should have recommended free bus travel exclusively for men with disabilities to avoid duplication of beneficiaries. This has raised concerns about potential duplication and proper utilisation of public funds,” he added.
According to an official in the department, the delay was due to the holidays and the byelections. “The government order for scheme expansion can be expected next week,” the official said.
Published - October 25, 2026 12:57 am IST