Bengaluru: Rural journalists working in electronic and print media institutions have been invited to apply online for the free bus pass scheme to travel within the district for professional activities. The scheme was announced by the Chief Minister Siddaramiah in the 2024-25 budget.

Journalists who have been employed full-time in electronic or print media for four years and are listed in the media directory of the Department of Information and Public Relations are eligible to apply. Service experience documents such as appointment orders, salary certificates, or bank statements must be provided as proof.

The Karnataka State Transport Corporation buses will be available for free travel within the district. A residence certificate from the Tahsildar is required.

Reporters working for state-level newspapers will be eligible for a bus pass if their editor nominates them for each taluk. District-level newspapers can nominate one journalist for their district, while regional newspapers that publish six or fewer pages can nominate one reporter and one photographer. For regional newspapers with eight or more pages, two reporters and one photographer are eligible for the bus pass.

Satellite-based electronic media journalists working in taluk centers will be eligible for one cameraman and one reporter per taluk.

The bus passes will be issued based on the appointment letter and recommendation from editors of daily newspapers and satellite news channels.

Eligible journalists can visit the nearest Grama One, Karnataka One, or Bengaluru One centers and upload the required documents through the Seva Sindhu portal online. The printed copy of the online application and uploaded documents must be submitted to the District Information Officer’s office for verification.