Thiruvananthapuram 15 June (H.S.):
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday described the state's newly launched free bus travel scheme for women as a matter of “pride and empowerment” rather than charity, asserting that the initiative would not push the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) into financial distress.
Launching the state-wide ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme for women, the Chief Minister said the government had fulfilled a key election promise within a month of assuming office, calling it a moment of satisfaction for the administration.
“This is not an act of generosity by the government towards women. It is a measure that will have significant social and economic impact,” Satheesan said. He added that travelling free of cost in government-run buses should be seen as a matter of dignity and pride for women across the state.
The Chief Minister argued that the scheme would enable women to save a considerable amount of money every month, which would ultimately benefit households and the wider economy. “When women save money through free travel, that becomes household savings. The money remains within the family and contributes to economic well-being,” he said.
Responding to concerns over the financial burden on KSRTC, Satheesan said the state government would spend around Rs 800 crore annually on the scheme, but insisted that it would not weaken the public transport corporation. Expressing confidence in Transport Minister C.P. John and his team, the Chief Minister said efforts were already under way to improve KSRTC’s revenue streams.
“In the coming years, KSRTC itself will be able to generate the resources required and may no longer need government support for this scheme,” he said, adding that several measures were being planned to strengthen the corporation’s financial position.
Transport Minister C.P. John presided over the function. Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister, ministers and elected representatives travelled in a KSRTC bus from the Thampanoor Central Bus Station to the Secretariat. Similar local-level inauguration ceremonies were also held across KSRTC depots throughout the state under the leadership of public representatives.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
