Over 29,000 under bus and taxi fare concession scheme

More than 29,000 people are currently under the bus and taxi fare concession scheme provided by the Social Welfare Ministry.

According to Welfare statistics 29,550 senior citizens and disabled persons are under this scheme.

The Ministry said people who are 60 years and above are eligible for 50 percent concession on bus fares and disabled persons are eligible for free bus fares whereas 20 percent discount on taxi fare for disabled persons and senior citizens is applicable.

On the other hand a total of 19,364 people are under the current food voucher programme by the ministry.

Out of these 2,383 are 70 years and above.

The Social Welfare Ministry was allocated 39 million dollars in the 2012 budget which was an increase of 2 million dollars compared to last year.

Out of this, 38 million dollars has been utilized for welfare assistance in form of grants and food voucher programs whereas the remaining 1 million is being used for women empowerment programmes.

Meanwhile the 2013 national budget will be announced on the 23rd of this month.

Story by: Khusboo Singh