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Transport & Infrastructure

Free Bus Pass for Media Persons

"Free Bus Pass for Media Persons" scheme by the Dept of Information & Publicity, Puducherry, aims to provide a free bus pass facility to media persons working in Puducherry in Puducherry Road Transport Corporation buses (except town buses) to undertake journeys for their professional requirements.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Puducherry

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Free bus pass (valid for one year) for professional travel needs. | Time Limit for Issue of a Fresh Bus Pass: Two weeks from the date of application. | Time Limit for Renewal of the Expired Bus Pass: Two days form the date of application.

Who can apply

The applicant should be a citizen of India.; The applicant should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence for not less than five years.; The applicant should have served for a minimum of three years as a media person in the Print/Electronic Media/News Agency in the Union Territory of Puducherry.; The applicant should be employed as a media person in any Print/Electronic Media/News Agency during the application.; The term "Media person" includes individuals serving as a full-time Editor / News Editor / Sub Editor / Reporter / Press Photographer / Videographer / Correspondent of Print / Electronic Media / News Agency within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the expected processing time for a fresh application?

The processing time may vary, and applicants are advised to contact the Department of Information & Publicity for updates on the status of their applications.

Can the free bus pass be used for personal travel as well?

The pass is intended solely for professional travel needs of media persons and is not valid for personal travel.

Is there a specific time frame for submitting the application during the year?

The application process is ongoing, and interested individuals can submit their applications throughout the year.

Can media persons from other states residing in Puducherry apply for the scheme?

No, only Indian citizens who are natives of the Union Territory of Puducherry or have continuous residence for at least five years are eligible to apply.

What steps should an applicant take if there is an error in the issued bus pass?

In case of errors, applicants should contact the Department of Information & Publicity for resolution, providing necessary details and documentation.

Is there any provision for emergency travel in addition to regular professional travel?

The scheme specifically caters to professional travel needs, and emergency travel provisions are not outlined as part of the benefits.

What is the contact information for inquiries related to the scheme?

For inquiries, applicants can contact the Department of Information & Publicity at +91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078, or through email at info.pon@nic.in.

Can part-time media persons apply for the scheme?

Yes, part-time media persons can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have served for a minimum of three years in the specified roles.

How long is the free bus pass valid once granted?

The free bus pass is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Are there any fees associated with the application process?

The scheme provides the free bus pass to eligible media persons, and there are no fees associated with the application process.

Where can I find the Scheme Guidelines and Citizen's Charter for more information?

The Scheme Guidelines can be found at https://info.py.gov.in/archive-government-order, and the Citizen's Charter is available at https://py.gov.in/sites/default/files/citizens-charterinfopublicity.pdf.

What are the specific roles considered as "media person" under the eligibility criteria?

The term "media person" includes individuals serving as a full-time Editor, News Editor, Sub Editor, Reporter, Press Photographer, Videographer, or Correspondent of Print/Electronic Media/News Agency within the Union Territory of Puducherry.