Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan on Monday inaugurated the Priyadarshini Scheme, which provides free travel for women and transgender persons on KSRTC ordinary bus services, describing it as a transformative welfare initiative aimed at social and economic empowerment rather than an act of charity.Launching the scheme at KSRTC Central Bus Station in Thampanoor, Satheesan said the scheme would significantly improve the lives of women by reducing travel expenses and enhancing access to education, employment, healthcare, banking and govt services.The CM noted that the scheme was being launched from the same historic venue where the state’s first public transport service was flagged off by Sree Chithira Thirunal, the king of erstwhile Travancore. He said the initiative marked a new chapter in the state’s public transport sector since KSRTC’s formation in 1965.Women from diverse backgrounds, including fisherwomen, domestic workers, students and employees, are expected to benefit from the scheme. The savings generated from reduced travel costs would strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activity, he said.“Women can now travel with pride and say that this is our govt’s service,” Satheesan remarked. Recalling an interaction with a woman beneficiary, he said she had asked what she should do with the money saved through the scheme. “I suggested that she invest it in a savings scheme,” he said, adding that the initiative would not impose any additional financial burden on KSRTC.The state govt will provide approximately Rs 800 crore annually to KSRTC to implement the programme. Satheesan said the govt also aims to strengthen public transport and reduce traffic congestion in urban areas while ensuring that the interests of the private bus sector are protected.Describing Priyadarshini as a tribute to women and their contribution to society, the CM formally dedicated the scheme to the people of Kerala and handed over the first zero-fare tickets to beneficiaries.Following the inauguration, Satheesan, along with transport minister C P John, welfare minister K A Thulasi and senior officials, travelled on the inaugural Priyadarshini service from Thampanoor to Secretariat. The bus was driven by V P Sheela, the first woman driver appointed to KSRTC through Public Service Commission.Responding to protests by a men’s association against the women-focused benefit, the chief minister dismissed the criticism in a light-hearted manner.“Their protest is interesting. They have other buses to travel in,” he said.Satheesan clarified that he was not anti-men but argued that savings generated by women tend to benefit entire households. “When savings are in the hands of women, the family benefits directly. If the money is in the hands of men, only a portion may reach home,” he quipped.
