Thiruvananthapuram, 25 July (H.S.):The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has categorically denied reports circulating on social media claiming that its free travel scheme for cancer patients has been discontinued. The transport corporation clarified that the scheme remains fully operational and urged the public to rely only on official announcements for accurate information.
In a statement issued on Friday, KSRTC said the rumours suggesting the withdrawal of the welfare initiative were completely baseless and misleading. The corporation explained that the recent interruption in the issuance of free travel cards was caused solely by a delay in updating the software used for processing applications and generating the cards.
According to KSRTC, the technical issue has now been resolved, enabling the distribution of new cards to resume. The corporation also confirmed that cancer patients who already possess valid free travel cards have continued to avail themselves of the benefit without any interruption throughout the period.
The transport utility stressed that the temporary delay in issuing new cards should not be misconstrued as the discontinuation of the scheme. It reiterated that the welfare programme remains in force and that eligible cancer patients can continue to receive free travel services on KSRTC buses.
Expressing concern over the spread of misinformation, KSRTC said unverified claims on social media had created unnecessary confusion and anxiety among beneficiaries and their families. The corporation appealed to the public and social media users to refrain from sharing unconfirmed information, particularly on issues affecting vulnerable sections of society.
KSRTC urged people to verify facts through its official communication channels before believing or forwarding such messages. It emphasised that only authorised announcements issued by the corporation should be treated as authentic.
The corporation said the free travel scheme continues to be an important welfare measure aimed at easing the financial burden on cancer patients travelling for treatment, and assured beneficiaries that there has been no decision to discontinue the programme.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
