In a landmark move toward social equity and inclusive governance, the Government of Andhra Pradesh officially launched the ‘Divyang Shakti Yojana’ on March 18, 2026. Billed as a special gift for the Ugadi festival, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the scheme in the greenfield capital city of Amaravati, alongside Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh.
The initiative is designed to remove mobility barriers for persons with disabilities, fostering a sense of independence, dignity, and “last-mile connectivity” across the state.
Key Highlights of Divyang Shakti Yojana
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Date | March 18, 2026 (Ugadi Gift) |
| Inaugurated By | CM N. Chandrababu Naidu |
| Primary Benefit | 100% Free Bus Travel for PwDs |
| Attendant Benefit | 50% Fare Concession for 1 helper |
| Total Beneficiaries | ~12.76 Lakh (including 11.16L PwDs) |
| Annual Budget | ₹207 Crore |
| Eligibility | 40% or more disability across 21 categories |
Transformative Mobility: Streamlining Access to Public Transport
The Divyang Shakti scheme marks a significant upgrade from the previous 50% concession policy. Under the new guidelines, eligible beneficiaries can travel for free in 7,264 buses, covering nearly 73% of the APSRTC fleet.
Eligible Bus Services
The free travel facility is applicable in the following APSRTC services:
- City Ordinary buses
- Metro Express services
- Palle Velugu (Rural) buses
- Ultra Palle Velugu services
- Express buses
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For premium and air-conditioned services like Non-Stop, Inter-state, Ultra Deluxe, and Saptagiri Express, the existing 50% concession will continue to apply.
Digital Innovation in Governance
To eliminate the need for carrying physical certificates, the government has integrated the scheme with digital tools. Beneficiaries can obtain QR-coded digital passes via:
- Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance platform.
- The official APSRTC Mobile App.
- 134 Bus Station Counters across the state.
Context: A Multi-Layered Welfare Strategy
The Divyang Shakti Yojana follows the success of the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, which has facilitated over 52 crore free trips for women in just seven months. During the launch, CM Naidu emphasized that this is part of a broader commitment to the differently-abled community.
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Other key welfare measures highlighted include:
- Pension Hikes: Disability pensions have been increased from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per month.
- Severe Conditions: Individuals with severe health issues receive ₹10,000, while bedridden beneficiaries are provided ₹15,000.
- Financial Relief: The government estimates that free bus travel will help beneficiaries save up to ₹2,000 per month, easing their access to education and employment.
The Divine Strength: Finding True Independence Beyond Material Aid
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that the physical body is merely a garment, and any impairment it suffers is a result of past karmic accounts. However, the soul within is eternal and possesses infinite potential. True “Divyang Shakti” (Divine Strength) is not found in a bus pass or a pension, but in the True Spiritual Knowledge. This true path is detailed in the holy book Gyan Ganga, which you can order for free here. When a soul connects with the Supreme God Kabir through a Complete Saint, it receives the internal power to transcend physical hardships.
Government schemes provide a “free journey” across the state, but the spiritual path provides a “free journey” across the ocean of worldly existence. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj provides the “medicine” of the True Name (Satnam), which heals the spirit and ensures that the devotee is never truly alone or dependent. In the kingdom of God (Satlok), there are no disabilities, sorrows, or dependencies. By seeking shelter under a True Saint, one can attain the ultimate liberation and permanent dignity.
FAQs on Divyang Shakti Yojana
1. Who is eligible for the Divyang Shakti scheme in Andhra Pradesh?
Any person with a disability of 40% or more, falling under the 21 categories recognized by the government, is eligible.
2. Is the travel benefit applicable to attendants as well?
Yes, attendants accompanying a differently-abled beneficiary are entitled to a 50% fare concession on the bus services covered.
3. Which bus services are included in the free travel scheme?
The scheme covers APSRTC City Ordinary, Metro Express, Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, and Express buses.
4. How can I apply for the Divyang Shakti digital bus pass?
Digital passes can be obtained through the Mana Mitra WhatsApp platform, the APSRTC mobile app, or at 134 designated bus station counters.
5. How much can a beneficiary save per month using this scheme?
According to CM Naidu, the scheme is expected to help individuals save approximately ₹2,000 per month in travel expenses.
