SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has proposed free government-run transport services for persons with disabilities as part of the Budget 2026–27, aiming to improve mobility and access to education, healthcare and employment for one of the most vulnerable sections of the population.
Presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the initiative would form part of a broader push to make public transport more inclusive and accessible, particularly as the government expands bus services under its green mobility and public transport strengthening programmes.
Aqib Rehman, a visually impaired student from South Kashmir, welcomed the emphasis on free and accessible bus services announced by the Chief Minister. “Accessible transport is not merely a welfare measure; it is a crucial enabler of mobility, independence, and participation in education, employment, and public life,” he said, adding that transport costs often impose a significant financial burden on families of persons with disabilities.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of a wider expansion of social security for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. According to Budget documents, the total number of social pension beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens and widows, has increased from 7.35 lakh in March 2024 to 10.19 lakh by January 2026.
The annual outlay for social pensions has also been raised substantially, from Rs 1,209 crore to Rs 1,755 crore, to support the expanded coverage. The government has further stated that it will work with the Central Government to enhance disability pensions by 25 per cent, a move expected to benefit over 1.62 lakh persons with disabilities across the Union Territory.
In addition to transport and pension support, the Budget outlines measures to strengthen infrastructure for specially-abled children and persons with disabilities. These include the establishment of special schools for specially-abled children in Baramulla and Anantnag districts.
Rehabilitation and reintegration services are also set to be expanded. The Half Way Home at Ganderbal is expected to provide structured support to persons requiring rehabilitation, while a Composite Home at Nanil in Anantnag is scheduled to become operational soon.
The Budget also links disability welfare with broader food security measures. Persons with disabilities belonging to households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana will continue to receive 10 kg of free ration per person, a scheme that came into effect from April 2025. In addition, such households are entitled to six free LPG cylinders per year.
