Kerala's Priyadarshini Scheme: Free Bus Rides for Women & Transgender Individuals!
Kerala's Priyadarshini Scheme: Free Bus Rides for Women & Transgender Individuals!
Kerala launches Priyadarshini Scheme, offering free KSRTC bus travel for all women and transgender individuals. Chief Minister VD Satheesan flagged off this historic initiative. A major step for socio-economic empowermen
In a significant move, the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has officially launched the "Priyadarshini" free transit scheme, fulfilling a key poll promise within its first month in office. This landmark initiative offers free travel on 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses to all women and transgender individuals across the state.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan flagged off the scheme at the Thampanoor Central Bus Station, even joining the inaugural trip to the Secretariat. Notably, this first journey was entirely operated by women, with a woman driver and conductor, symbolizing the scheme's empowerment goals.
The "Priyadarshini" scheme is designed for simplicity, requiring no prior registration. Passengers will automatically receive "zero-fare" tickets, making the process seamless. This initiative is widely celebrated as a major step towards socio-economic stimulus, aiming to enhance the social and financial status of its beneficiaries.
While the launch was met with enthusiasm, including celebrations with sweets and selfies in places like Ernakulam, it also faced political boycotts from the opposition LDF. The opposition expressed reservations regarding the scheme's phased tier rollout. Despite the political differences, the "Priyadarshini" scheme marks a new chapter in public transport and women's empowerment in Kerala.
