Local bodies not obliged to fund KSRTC depots: Transport Minister
C.P. John allays concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, says Corporations and municipalities with robust revenue bases than grama panchayats can contribute voluntarily to improve local KSRTC depots if they considered it necessary.
Transport Minister C.P. John clarified on Friday that Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) depots will not be a financial obligation for local self-government institutions. John stated that KSRTC would continue to be responsible for infrastructure improvements. However, local bodies reserve the right to contribute towards enhancing KSRTC facilities in their areas voluntarily.
This response came in the wake of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan's concerns in the Assembly regarding reports about local bodies being compelled to allocate funds for KSRTC depot development. The minister pointed out that local bodies were already facing budget cuts and any diversion of funds to transport infrastructure could negatively impact their development activities.
John emphasized that the proposal did not aim to burden local bodies financially or infringe upon their rights. He mentioned that corporations and municipalities with stronger revenue bases could choose to contribute to improving local KSRTC depots if they deemed it necessary. In response to another question, the Transport Minister indicated that the government was considering introducing seat belts in long-distance buses, especially the high-speed Minnal services, to enhance passenger safety.
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