India, Dec. 26 -- The Odisha government has announced free bus travel for school students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme. The Commerce and Transport Department has issued a notification in this regard, replacing the existing 50 per cent concession in ticket fares for students.
Proposal approved
According to the notification, the Commerce and Transport Department has approved a proposal in this regard by the School and Mass Education Department, which was initially put forward during a high-level meeting held on August 21 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Free travel to reduce dropouts
The department said the step aims to improve access to schools and reduce student dropouts caused by long travel dista...