How a 70-Year-Old Activist Won Free Bus Travel for Attendants of Visually Impaired Passengers in Punjab?

In a landmark decision following a long-fought legal battle, the Punjab government recently issued a notification permitting free bus travel for attendants of visually impaired individuals on state-run buses. The story behind this policy shift is one of relentless perseverance, advocacy, and dedication by a 70-year-old visually impaired man named Vijay Walia, whose three-year campaign finally brought meaningful change to the lives of many.

Vijay Walia’s struggle began in 2021 when the Punjab government launched the Punjab Divyangjan Sashaktikaran Yojana (PDSY), a scheme aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities. Among other provisions, this scheme included free travel for visually impaired individuals and their attendants. However, despite the initiative’s noble intentions, key departments, including the transport department, failed to implement it. Each journey remained a challenge, with visually impaired individuals often forced to travel alone because their attendants were required to pay a fare.

For individuals with visual impairments, traveling without assistance is not only a logistical hurdle but a psychological one. Traveling independently in crowded buses, with the additional risk of unexpected accidents, makes public transit particularly risky and stressful for visually impaired passengers. Walia recognized this and sought action.

Now starts the legal fight.

After countless appeals and reminders to the Department of Social Security and Women & Child Development, Walia received no response. Determined to see the PDSY’s promises fulfilled, he took his case to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The high court responded by issuing a notice to the Punjab government in 2022, urging them to fulfill the scheme’s provisions. Yet, the process of change remained slow.

By July 2023, the case remained unresolved. At the most recent hearing on July 19, the Punjab government requested additional time to file their response. The prolonged legal proceedings underscored the barriers people with disabilities face, not just in daily life but in seeking justice and equal rights.

Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, a breakthrough finally arrived. On July 29, 2023, the Punjab government issued an official notification granting free travel for attendants of visually impaired passengers on government-run buses. This marked a huge milestone for Walia, who had dedicated years to advocating for the rights of visually impaired individuals across the state. The transport department quickly moved to action, notifying depot managers statewide to allow free travel for attendants.

This small yet powerful policy change demonstrates how individual determination can transform systemic indifference. Walia’s victory holds broader significance; it sends a message of hope and empowerment to countless others facing similar struggles.

Why this matter?

For visually impaired people, an attendant’s presence means not just assistance but security and confidence in navigating public spaces. Being able to rely on a trusted companion can make daily commutes manageable and far less daunting. Walia’s words reflect the relief and validation this policy brings: “In the majority of cases, the visually impaired individuals had to travel alone for the sheer reason that their attendants had to pay. Traveling alone is very risky and traumatic for the visually impaired, so free travel for attendants is very important.”

While this decision represents a significant step forward, there is still work to be done. Walia’s success demonstrates the need for governments to not only create supportive policies but also to ensure they are enforced. True accessibility requires both proactive initiatives and ongoing accountability.