LDF leader and Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani on Friday raised concerns over the state government's decision to provide free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.

In a Facebook post and a video message, Mani welcomed the announcement but argued that the benefit could result in discrimination among students if it is not extended to boys as well.

Calls for equal travel benefits for students

Referring to the government's decision to offer free travel for women on KSRTC services from June 15, 2026, Mani said the benefit would naturally be available to girls studying in schools and colleges.

However, he pointed out that boys studying alongside them would not receive the same concession.

In his Facebook post, Mani said there is no distinction between boys and girls in the provision of midday meals, textbooks and other benefits in schools. Maintaining such a distinction only in the matter of transportation, he argued, would be discriminatory.

He urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure free bus travel for all students, irrespective of gender.

 
 

Proposal for universal student transport support

In his video message, Mani highlighted Kerala's standing in the education sector and called for a broader policy to provide free transportation for all students up to Class 12.

He said around 33 lakh students in government and aided schools already benefit from welfare measures such as midday meals, free uniforms and textbooks. To strengthen this support system, he said the government should also guarantee free travel between home and school.

According to Mani, access to transportation is an essential part of ensuring that students can fully benefit from educational opportunities.

KSRTC should take the lead, says Mani

While welcoming the free travel scheme for women and girls, Mani said travel concessions should not create disparities among students.

He proposed extending free travel benefits to boys up to the higher secondary level as well.

Mani also said the expenditure involved should be viewed as an investment in the state's future rather than a financial burden.

He suggested that the policy should ideally cover both KSRTC and private buses. While students currently receive concessional fares, he said KSRTC could begin by providing free travel for male students if extending the scheme to private operators is not immediately feasible.

According to Mani, the objective should be to create a system in which the state supports a student's journey from home to school and back, alongside the educational assistance already available through meals, uniforms and learning materials.