Kerala’s Cabinet has decided to implement a free travel concession for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary services starting June 15. State Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan says the scheme, titled “Priyadarshini,” covers women of all ages and is not limited by financial status. NDTV and The Hindu both report that the policy also includes transgenders. The Cabinet decision is set to apply to KSRTC ordinary bus services, with the government providing the required subsidy.
The outlets diverge mainly on the way the fiscal impact is framed. The Hindu states the scheme will add an additional annual financial burden of about ₹750–₹800 crore for KSRTC. NDTV reports that the state already provides around ₹1,500 crore annually to support KSRTC, and that the additional subsidy needed for the free travel programme will be borne by the government. Both accounts, however, agree that the initiative is government-funded and begins from June 15.
