Aluva: With the objective of ensuring financial security for women in Kerala, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has announced that KSFE will launch the 'Pink Chitty' scheme.

Speaking to reporters in Aluva after attending an MLA Merit Award distribution ceremony, V D Satheesan stated that the money saved by women through free travel on KSRTC buses could be invested in this Pink Chitty to generate an independent income for them.

He said that he does not view the ₹1,000 crore expenditure incurred by the government due to the free KSRTC bus travel scheme as a mere financial loss. He added that this initiative would catalyse a major socio-economic transformation in Kerala, and the positive impact on society would far outweigh the value of the ₹1,000 crore spent.

It is anticipated that by investing the money saved from bus fares into the Pink Chitty, women will be able to build good savings for their future. Satheesan also mentioned that a provision exists under the 'Priyadarshini' scheme allowing high-income earners to opt out and purchase tickets. He expressed optimism that directing these travel savings into the ‘Pink Chitty’ would lead to a substantial increase in women's financial resources.