Malappuram panchayat governed by IUML passes resolution demanding review of Priyadarshini scheme

Malappuram: A local council governed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Malappuram has passed a resolution demanding a comprehensive review of Priyadarshini, the state-run KSRTC free travel scheme for women.

The motion, presented by Khamaruddin, Chairman of the Welfare Standing Committee at the Othukkungal Panchayat, specifically requests the state government to exclude salaried government employees from the scheme’s purview.

While the local governing body affirmed the social objectives behind providing free travel for women, it pointed out that the initiative has dealt a severe blow to private bus operators and transport workers. A sharp fall in passenger numbers has plunged the private sector into financial distress, threatening the livelihood of those dependent on it.

The resolution argues that government personnel—who already receive fixed salaries and state benefits—should be removed from the eligible list. It recommends a policy shift towards prioritising lower-income groups and financially vulnerable sections of society who require targeted assistance.

This is the first time an open demand to re-examine the scheme has emerged within the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance, of which the IUML is a key constituent.

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Highlighting the wider crisis, the resolution stated:

"Private bus owners and transport trade unions across the state have raised serious concerns regarding the manner in which the scheme is currently being implemented. The sharp drop in passenger footfall has led to acute financial distress for private services, directly impacting the income and job security of drivers, conductors, mechanics, and allied workers dependent on the private transport ecosystem."