Satyvadi Raja Harishchandra Marnotar Sahay Yojana 2026

The 'Free Bus Pass for Media Persons' scheme in Puducherry offers a complimentary bus pass to local Read More... media professionals for their work-related travel on PRTC buses. Read less

Details

In a move to support the essential work of journalists and media professionals, the Union Territory of Puducherry has introduced a beneficial scheme. The Department of Information & Publicity is offering a free bus pass specifically for media persons, enabling them to travel for their professional duties without any cost.

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative, named 'Free Bus Pass for Media Persons', is designed to ease the commute for media professionals working in Puducherry. It allows them to use Puducherry Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) buses (excluding town buses) for their official journeys. The aim is to facilitate their work by removing travel cost as a barrier.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme targets individuals who are actively engaged in the media field within Puducherry. This includes editors, reporters, photographers, videographers, and correspondents working for print, electronic media, or news agencies. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific residency and service criteria.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Journalists and media personnel play a crucial role in disseminating information and keeping the public informed. This scheme acknowledges their contribution by providing a practical support system. By covering their travel expenses for professional needs, it helps them reach assignments more efficiently and focus on their reporting duties.

Objective

The 'Free Bus Pass for Media Persons' scheme in Puducherry offers a complimentary bus pass to local media professionals for their work-related travel on PRTC buses.

Benefits

Under the scheme, scheduled caste families receive financial assistance of ₹5,000/- at the time of a family member's death to cover funeral expenses.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be Indian citizens.
Applicants should be natives of Puducherry by birth, or have resided continuously in the Union Territory for at least five years.
A minimum of three years of service as a media person in print, electronic media, or a news agency in Puducherry is required.
The applicant must be currently employed as a media person in any recognized media outlet or news agency within Puducherry at the time of application.
The term 'media person' covers full-time Editors, News Editors, Sub Editors, Reporters, Press Photographers, Videographers, and Correspondents working in Puducherry.

How To Apply

Eligible media persons can apply for the free bus pass. The process involves submitting an application along with the necessary documents to the concerned department. Specific forms and details are provided by the Department of Information & Publicity.

For Fresh Applications: Submit a completed application form along with all required documents as listed.
For Renewal Applications: Submit the expired bus pass copy and a fresh photograph.

Official Contact:
Department of Information & Publicity
Union Territory of Puducherry
Contact Numbers: +91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078
Email: [email protected]

Documents Required

For Fresh Application

Nativity/Residence Certificate (Form-II), issued by a Revenue Department Officer not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar. You can find the form at Form-II.
Three stamp-sized photographs.
Service Certificate (Form-II) from your former employer, detailing your designation, employment status (full-time/part-time), service period, and work location.

For Renewal Application

An attested copy of your expired Bus Pass.
One stamp-sized photograph.

FAQ’s

How long is the free bus pass valid for?

Once issued, your free bus pass is valid for a full year. After this period, you can apply for a renewal.

Can I use this bus pass for my personal trips?

No, this bus pass is strictly for professional use by media persons for their work-related travel. It cannot be used for personal journeys.

What is the timeline for getting a new bus pass?

For a fresh application, the bus pass is usually issued within two weeks from the date you submit your application.

If I'm a media person working in Puducherry but not a native, can I apply?

Yes, you can apply if you are an Indian citizen and have been a continuous resident of Puducherry for at least five years. Being a native by birth is not the only way to qualify for residency.

What roles are considered under 'media person' for this scheme?

The scheme considers full-time Editors, News Editors, Sub Editors, Reporters, Press Photographers, Videographers, and Correspondents of Print/Electronic Media/News Agencies working within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Can part-time media workers apply?

Yes, part-time media persons are eligible to apply, provided they meet all other conditions, including having served for a minimum of three years in their media role.

What documents do I need to renew my bus pass?

For renewal, you need to submit an attested copy of your expired bus pass and one stamp-sized photograph.

What if my name or details are incorrect on the bus pass?

If you find any errors on your bus pass, you should contact the Department of Information & Publicity immediately. They will guide you on how to get it corrected.

Where can I find more details about the scheme?

You can find more information in the Scheme Guidelines, available at https://info.py.gov.in/archive-government-order. The Citizen's Charter can be accessed at https://py.gov.in/sites/default/files/citizens-charterinfopublicity.pdf.

Is there a specific deadline to apply for the bus pass?

The application window is generally open, allowing interested media persons to apply throughout the year. There is no specific annual deadline mentioned.

Are there any charges for applying for this bus pass?

No, the 'Free Bus Pass for Media Persons' scheme is designed to provide a complimentary pass. There are no application fees or charges associated with it.

What are the contact details for the department handling this scheme?

For any queries, you can reach out to the Department of Information & Publicity at +91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078, or send an email to [email protected].