The West Bengal government has decided to extend free travel facilities to AIDS and cancer patients in state-owned buses for medical check-up, Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty informed the state assembly on Thursday.
Replying to a calling attention motion moved by Jane Alam Mian of RSP, the minister said that from April 14, coinciding with the Bengali New Year Day, AIDS and cancer patients can travel free either alone or with an escort in State Transport Corporation Buses for treatment or medical check-up.
The patients would have to produce necessary medical certificates for the purpose, Chakraborty said.
Pointing out that physcially-challenged persons of certain categories were allowed free-travel along with a companion in STC buses, he said most private bus operators were also extending the facility following a request by the government.
Chakraborty said the Transport Department had also amended the West Bengal Motor Vehicles rules to provide mandatory reservation of two seats for physically-challenged persons in all state and private buses.
Source:The Hindu,28-03-08
