'Not anyone's favour, not intended to insult': Minister expresses regret over Priyadarshini remarks

Thiruvananthapuram: Transport Minister C.P. John on Wednesday expressed regret over his controversial remarks on the Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme for women, saying the benefit is not anyone's favour but a right. He also clarified that the scheme would continue and that all women remain eligible to travel free on KSRTC buses.

The minister said he had no intention of insulting anyone through his remarks.

"We introduced the Priyadarshini scheme. After seeing certain statements, I got the impression that people believed someone else had launched the scheme and that we were planning to discontinue it. Priyadarshini is one of the United Democratic Front's flagship welfare programmes, and it will continue," he said.

Referring to criticism from the Opposition, John said some CPM leaders had created doubts over the future of the scheme.

"There should be no confusion. Priyadarshini will continue and will be taken forward with even greater strength than before," he said.

Emphasising that the government does not discriminate, the minister said every woman has the right to benefit from the scheme.

"The government treats all women equally. Every woman has the right to travel under the Priyadarshini scheme. It is not anyone's favour. It is neither my favour nor the government's favour," he said, adding that the UDF has never viewed the scheme as an act of charity.

Controversial remarks

The clarification came after the minister's earlier comments drew widespread criticism.

Speaking about the scheme, John had said that many women depended on Priyadarshini because they could not afford bus fares.

"It is difficult to understand the behaviour of some women. A woman who does not have money for a bus ticket sends her children to private schools. Even when there are vacant seats in government schools, she chooses schools where fees have to be paid," he had said.

He had also remarked that the same women relied on government hospitals while opting for subsidised public transport.

"When it comes to hospitals, the same woman lies in the corridors of government hospitals with her husband or father. When the bus arrives, she rushes to board low-cost public transport," he had said.

As the remarks triggered a backlash, the minister initially defended his comments, saying they were intended to highlight the extent of poverty reflected in the scheme's success.

"We must recognise the reality that many people are struggling to afford even bus fares. That was the point I was trying to make," he said.

He added that overcrowded government hospitals and the reluctance of some families to send their children to government schools despite free education were also indicators of social inequality.

"I was referring to three areas that need improvement. That is the direction in which Kerala should progress. Those who wish to create controversy may do so. I have no complaints," he said.

However, following sustained criticism, particularly on social media, the minister expressed regret over his remarks and reiterated that he had not intended to offend anyone.