Maha nod for free journey in 'Shivshahi' ac buses for

The Maharashtra Cabinet Tuesday expanded the scope of concessions being given to various sections of the society for travel by the state transport buses.

Girl students up to class 12 in rural areas of the state will now be entitled for a free pass. At present, the facility was available only for the girl students up to class 10.

As per the Cabinet decision, senior citizens over 65 years of age can avail free travel in the "Shiv Shahi" air conditioned buses though with riders. Accredited journalists will be entitled for the free travel by these buses.

Giving information about the Cabinet decision, Transport Minister Diwakar Raote told reporters that the decisions will benefit 2.18 crore people in the state.

"At present, the senior citizens could avail concession of 50 per cent in ordinary and semi luxury buses. Now, the senior citizens will get 45 per cent concession for A/C 'Shivshahi' buses for the maximum travel of 4000 kms per year. Similarly, the concession for patients has been increased from 50 per cent to 75 per cent," he said.

For accredited journalists, the 100 per cent concession has been extended from non-AC, semi luxury buses to the air-conditioned Shiv Shahi buses.

The state government has also decided to set up a Punjabi Sahitya Academy to promote, conserve and develop Punjabi language in Maharashtra.

The Academy will also help exchange of Punjabi and Marathi literature and strengthen the sentiment of national integration.

The Academy will also honour prominent personalities in their field of literature, journalism and education, an official release stated.

The Academy will be headed by Culture Minister and its deputy chairman will be a minister of state.

The body will comprise 11 non-official members.

A budgetary provision of RS 46.8 lakh has been made for this purpose.