In the previous scheme, the beneficiary has to contribute to 25 per cent of the total fare. Advisor to governor PKH Tharakan said that the government has decided to increase its share as the bus fare has gone up.

In the previous scheme, beneficiaries had to pay Rs 250, i e, 25 per cent of the total bus pass fare of Rs 1,650.

The total cost of the bus pass has gone up to Rs 2,240.

Contribution

The State government will contribute 60 per cent of the total amount, KSRTC will bear 25 per cent and beneficiary has to pay the remaining 15 per cent - which means beneficiaries will have to pay Rs 336 to get annual bus pass.

Tharakan said the State government was contemplating introduction of identity cards for disabled persons from the year 2008-09. By producing ID cards, disabled persons can claim 25 per cent discount on bus fare in KSRTC buses, he added.

Scholarship

The State government has revised scholarship for physically challenged students. The revised scholarship will be provided from the next academic year.

From 1st to 5th standard the scholarship has been increased from Rs 50 to 75. The scholarship has been enhanced from Rs 100 to Rs 125 for students studying in 6th to 8th standard.