Thiruvananthapuram, June 11 (IANS) The Kerala government’s decision to provide free travel for women in KSRTC ordinary buses has triggered a controversy, with the All Kerala Men’s Association announcing protests on the day the scheme is to be launched.

The organisation has declared that it will stage a protest in front of the Secretariat, and has warned that buses may be blocked as part of the agitation.

In their social media post, the group also announced that its members would board buses and travel without taking tickets as a mark of protest. “Just because someone is born a man, there is no justice anywhere for him. Men are also a vote bank,” said All Kerala Men’s Association president Vattiyoorkavu Ajith Kumar, questioning the government’s decision to offer free travel without income or age restrictions.

The organisation said it would have no objection if the benefit was targeted at economically weaker sections. “If free travel is provided based on financial status identified through ration cards, there is no problem. But why should even those earning lakhs in salary get free travel?” Ajith Kumar asked.

The scheme, named ‘Priyadarshini’, is part of the state government’s Indira Guarantee programme and will come into effect from June 15. Under the first phase, women will be allowed to travel free in KSRTC ordinary buses without any eligibility conditions related to income, age or category.

The government has described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind welfare measure in Kerala aimed at improving mobility and accessibility for women.

However, the scheme comes with a significant financial burden for KSRTC. The government estimates that the transport corporation could face a revenue shortfall of around Rs 750-800 crore annually due to the free travel programme.

The state government has assured that the loss will be compensated to KSRTC.

The reimbursement will be in addition to the Rs 1,500 crore annual financial support currently provided for salaries and pensions. The government has also directed KSRTC to strengthen its revenue generation by increasing the number of buses, expanding services and improving advertising income.

Officials said the second phase of the Priyadarshini scheme would be considered after assessing the corporation’s financial position. With the men’s organisation choosing the launch day for its protest, the scheme has moved beyond a welfare debate and entered a wider social and political discussion.

–IANS

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