Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 10: The Kerala government has approved the ‘Priyadarshini Scheme’, a major welfare initiative that will allow women to travel free of cost in KSRTC ordinary buses starting June 15.
The decision was announced on Wednesday following the weekly Cabinet meeting, with Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan stating that the scheme will be implemented without any eligibility restrictions. He clarified that there will be no age or income criteria, making the benefit universally accessible to women passengers.
The initiative will also extend free travel benefits to transgender persons, broadening its social inclusion scope. However, the scheme will initially apply only to ordinary service buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), with a review planned after six months of implementation.
The state government has estimated that the programme will cost around ?800 crore annually. This amount will be fully reimbursed to KSRTC to compensate for the expected revenue loss.
Officials noted that the government already provides approximately Rs 1,500 crore each year as financial assistance to KSRTC, and the additional expenditure from the new scheme will be added to this existing support package.
Authorities have also directed KSRTC to improve its revenue streams and strengthen its financial performance during the initial implementation period of the scheme.
The announcement is being positioned as a key welfare measure aimed at enhancing mobility and access to public transport for women across the state, while also supporting inclusive travel for transgender individuals.
Meanwhile, the political backdrop in the state remains active, with Chief Minister Satheesan responding to recent internal discussions within rival parties. He dismissed claims of any political understanding between the Congress and the BJP, countering remarks made during CPI(M) meetings that alleged an informal alliance between the two parties.
He also noted that no final decision has been taken regarding the controversial PM-SHRI education project or the proposed high-speed rail corridor, adding that discussions are still ongoing with experts and stakeholders.
The ‘Priyadarshini Scheme’ is expected to become one of Kerala’s most significant welfare measures, though its long-term financial impact on KSRTC and the state budget is likely to be closely monitored.