Wayanad: The Student Travel Facility Committee has called for the unification of student travel concession cards and proposed the inclusion of bus route details on student identity cards. The demand was raised during a meeting convened to address the travel-related challenges faced by students, and issues including the distribution and misuse of concession cards.

The meeting was chaired by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) K. Devaki and attended by representatives from various government departments, law enforcement and student organisations.

A major concern highlighted during the discussion was the alleged misuse of concession cards by individuals over the age of 27, who, according to representatives of the Private Bus Operators’ Association, are allegedly availing themselves of benefits using forged documents. In response, the ADM directed Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs) to investigate and cancel any fraudulently obtained cards.

The committee also recommended the formation of a special body to identify and take action against educational institutions that are issuing concession cards without proper authorisation.

Student organisations raised several other issues, including the refusal of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to accept concession applications. They demanded an increase in the number of student passes by introducing more bus routes based on current demand. In addition, they urged authorities to extend bus concession benefits to students doing internships and industrial training.

Key officials who participated in the meeting included RTO P R Sumesh, Sub-Inspector A P Mohanan, Sultan Bathery Joint RTO K R Jaidevan, District Education Office Junior Superintendent P P Ranjith and KSRTC Inspector C Krishnan.