Kerala Launches Priyadarshini: Free Travel For Women, Transgender Persons In KSRTC Buses From June 15
Scheme to cost Rs 800 crore annually, govt to cover KSRTC losses, push for revenue reforms: CM Satheesan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress-led UDF government will roll out its Priyadarshini scheme, offering free for women and transgender persons on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary buses starting June 15. This was one of the key promises made by the UDF under the Indira Guarantee programme.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said the free travel facility will be available to all women and transgender persons, regardless of age, income and will apply only to KSRTC's ordinary bus services.
The Chief Minister noted that the scheme is expected to cause a monthly revenue loss of Rs 70 crore for KSRTC, with the annual loss estimated at around Rs 800 crore.
Satheesan said the state government would fully compensate KSRTC for the revenue shortfall caused by the implementation of the Priyadarshini scheme. At present, the state government provides around Rs 125 crore every month and about Rs 1,500 crore annually to KSRTC, which includes pension and related assistance. He added that the compensation for the free travel scheme would be given in addition to this amount.
Satheesan also mentioned that KSRTC would explore ways to improve its revenue generation capacity over the next six months and strengthen its financial position while continuing to implement the free travel scheme for women.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Private Bus Operators Association has expressed concerns over the free travel scheme for women in KSRTC ordinary buses. Association general secretary T. Gopinathan said the scheme could push the private bus sector into dire straits. He added that the government failed to discuss the existing issues of the private sector before announcing the scheme.
Private bus services may come to a halt if the government does not address their genuine concerns. The association is meeting in Thrissur on Wednesday to decide the future course of action.
