The state government provides fare concessions on ST bus tickets to various social categories, with the government reimbursing the corporation for the discounted fares. To bring transparency to the concession system, the NCMC card was made mandatory for eligible passengers. However, technical difficulties in the card registration and distribution process created problems, forcing several passengers to purchase full-price tickets despite being eligible for concessions.
The confusion surrounding the implementation of the NCMC card system also affected the corporation's revenue. Following these difficulties, the MSRTC has decided to relax the mandatory card requirement for women beneficiaries and other eligible passengers until December 31.
An order announcing the relaxation was issued by Nitin Maind, General Manager of the corporation's Transport Department. According to the order, eligible passengers can continue to avail themselves of travel concessions without an NCMC card during this period. However, the mandatory requirement will be reinstated from January 1, 2027.
Senior MSRTC officials said the scheme is being implemented in accordance with the Central Government's guidelines to maintain records of passengers travelling under concession schemes.
Meanwhile, the corporation has directed officials to organise special registration and card distribution camps to speed up the process, particularly for women beneficiaries. Although the number of eligible women passengers is substantial, only 1.10 crore NCMC cards have been registered so far. Many women in rural areas have not completed registration due to a lack of information.
The MSRTC has instructed officials to organise special camps at the Gram Panchayat level across the state to facilitate NCMC card registration and distribution among women. Local public representatives, passenger associations and Gram Panchayat office-bearers have also been asked to participate in the initiative.
According to figures available until September, out of 1,11,78,090 passengers who had registered for NCMC cards, only 71 per cent had received their cards. Amrut senior citizens accounted for the highest distribution rate, with 78 per cent of registered beneficiaries receiving their cards.
Among women passengers, the distribution rate was the lowest, at just 69 per cent.
The corporation has set a target of completing 100 per cent NCMC registration and card distribution by December 31 for senior citizens, women passengers, Amrut senior citizens and all other eligible beneficiaries. With the mandatory requirement scheduled to return from January 1, 2027, the temporary relaxation is expected to provide eligible passengers relief while the corporation works towards completing the registration and distribution process.
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