UDF-ruled panchayat in Malappuram seeks review of Kerala govt’s Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme
Resolution moved by Othukkungal grama panchayat, ruled by UDF constituent IUML, welcomes the social benefits provided by the scheme but calls for changes in its implementation
The Othukkungal gram panchayat in Kerala's Malappuram district, governed by the United Democratic Front's Indian Union Muslim League, has filed a resolution requesting a review of the state government's free KSRTC bus travel scheme, aimed at excluding women government employees from the benefits. The resolution, introduced by welfare committee chairperson Khamarudheen, appreciated the social benefits of the scheme but criticized its impact on private bus services, as operators experienced a notable decline in passenger numbers.
The panchayat reasoned that women government employees, who earn regular incomes and enjoy other employment benefits, should be excluded from the free travel scheme. Simultaneously, they advocated for prioritizing women from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. This decision marks the first time a UDF-aligned local body has proposed a modification to the UDF-led Kerala government's widely publicized Priyadarshini scheme.
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