Patna: In a significant move to bolster the transport network in Bihar, residents will soon benefit from enhanced bus transportation services, connecting remote villages in blocks to district headquarters and various destinations. A total of 3600 buses are set to be rolled out under an initiative, known as ‘Mukhyamantri Prakhand Parivahan Yojna (MMPPY)’, in a phased manner to establish seamless connectivity between blocks, district headquarters, and other key routes. The application process for the first phase of the MMPPY started on Wednesday.
Ahead of the rollout of the ambitious scheme, Transport Secretary Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal chaired a pivotal meeting on the MMPPY, engaging District Transport Officers (DTOs) and Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) through video conferencing on Tuesday. During the meeting, he emphasized the need for widespread publicity of the scheme and the meticulous determination of bus operation routes. The transport secretary underscored the importance of local-level meetings to facilitate eligible applicants in availing the benefits of the block-wise scheme, urging collaboration with bus operators and Vikas Mitras. State Transport Commissioner Dr. Ashima Jain was also present in the meeting.
Under the MMPPY, a subsidy of Rs 5 lakh per bus will be extended to facilitate the purchase of these buses, aimed at strengthening the state’s transport network and creating employment opportunities.
“The operation of 3600 new buses will not only enhance the state’s transport infrastructure but also generate employment opportunities for the people. Through the Chief Minister Block Transport Scheme, approximately 3600 beneficiaries will receive a subsidy of Rs 5 lakh each on bus purchases, with an estimated expenditure of around Rs 180 crore,” the transport secretary said.
This scheme will benefit residents in 496 blocks, excluding district headquarters blocks. Each block will have a maximum of seven beneficiaries eligible for the subsidy, with Rs 5 lakh per bus to be disbursed to the beneficiary’s account by the DTO through Comprehensive financial management system (CFMS).
Seven beneficiaries per block will be selected under the MMPPY, with a focus on diversity. Two beneficiaries will be from the Scheduled Caste (SC), two from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC), one from the Backward Class, one from the Minority Community, and one from the General Category.
The application window for the first phase of the MMPPY started on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Eligible beneficiaries can apply block-wise. The application window will remain open until December 27, 2023, and the final selected list will be published on January 6, 2024.
The selection process will be meticulous, considering factors such as vacancy and qualification. Additionally, a waiting list will be prepared based on the merit of applications, and objections will be invited within a three-day window. The final selection list will be published after addressing objections through the designated committee.
Applicants, aged 18 years or above with a valid driving license, not employed in government service, and residents of the block where they apply, are eligible to participate. Joint applications from more than one eligible beneficiary are also accepted.
The schedule for the first phase of the MMPPY is as follows:
- Block-wise application date: December 6, 2023, to December 27, 2023.
- Preparation of priority list: December 28, 2023.
- Selection of beneficiaries by the selection committee: December 29, 2023.
- Invitation of objections: January 2, 2024.
- Publication of the final selection list: January 6, 2024.
- Distribution of selection letters: January 8 to January 9, 2024.
- Submission of subsidy applications: From January 8, 2024.
- Disbursement of subsidy amount: Within 7 days of receipt.
The Bihar Transport Department urges all eligible beneficiaries to actively participate in this transformative initiative, contributing to the development of the state’s transportation infrastructure.
