Provide 100% concessions in bus fare to Persons with Disabilities; State Commission for Persons with Disabilities tells transport service providers

State Commission for Persons with Disabilities has notified all public transport services(including MST Bus Services as well as private bus services operating within the State of Manipur) to provide 100 percent concession in bus fare to persons with disabilities, who possess disability certificate/card reflecting 40 percent or more disability.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Manipur, W. Bihari Singh issued a notice on August 28 stating

The commissioner stated that the transport department had already notified all public transport bus services (including MST Bus Services as well as private bus services) operating within the State of Manipur to provide 100% concession in bus fare to persons with disabilities, duly certified with a disability certificate/card reflecting 40% or more disability.

It was also notified that one companion accompanying such a person with disability shall be entitled to 50% concession in bus fare and for availing the facility, the concerned individual is required to produce the original Disability Certificate/UDID Card before the authorised employee/driver/handyman.

Despite the directives of the transport department, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities has received several complaints that most of the private bus operators are not complying with the said notification, thereby depriving persons with disabilities of their lawful rights, the notice stated.

The commissioner directed that all public and private bus operators to strictly comply with the concessions notified by the State Transport Department and warns that any authority, operator, or employee found to be in violation or defiance of the directives shall invite legal proceedings and stringent action under the relevant provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and other applicable laws.

The State Commissioner also appealed to all transport operators to act with utmost responsibility, empathy, and sensitivity, thereby upholding the dignity, equality, and rights of persons with disabilities, who are entitled to full participation in society without discrimination or denial of their rightful entitlements.