Kerala's Free Bus Scheme Under Fire! Panchayat Demands Review, Exclusions
Kerala's Free Bus Scheme Under Fire! Panchayat Demands Review, Exclusions
A UDF-ruled panchayat in Malappuram is challenging Kerala's Priyadarshini free bus scheme, advocating for the exclusion of government employees and prioritizing financially weaker women. Will the government review its po
A significant development has emerged from Malappuram, Kerala, where the Othukkungal grama panchayat, controlled by the United Democratic Front (UDF) constituent Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), has passed a resolution calling for a review of the state government’s ‘Priyadarshini’ free KSRTC bus travel facility for women.
While acknowledging the scheme’s social benefits, the resolution, spearheaded by welfare standing committee chairperson Khamarudheen, proposes crucial changes to its implementation. The panchayat argues that women government employees, who typically have a stable income and other employment benefits, should be excluded from the free travel scheme. Instead, the focus should shift to prioritizing women from financially weaker sections of society.
The civic body highlighted concerns that the free travel scheme has negatively impacted private bus services across the state. Operators are reportedly facing a significant drop in passenger numbers, leading to financial strain on the sector. This resolution marks a notable instance, as it is the first reported time a UDF-controlled local body has called for a review of a prominent scheme launched by the new UDF government itself, underscoring growing pressure and practical challenges faced on the ground.
