Good news for students who rely on private buses to reach home from school. Kerala’s Transport Minister V. Sivankutty has warned that stern actions will be taken if bus staff mistreat students, treating them as second-class citizens. He emphasized that the bus concessions for students, including discounts on fares, were hard-earned through struggles and are not a favor from private bus operators.
Minister Sivankutty clarified that these concessions cannot be denied under any circumstances. The fare discounts are not the result of the generosity of bus drivers or conductors but a right for students. He also said that students should not be dropped off at inappropriate locations, and buses must stop at designated points for drop-offs.
Furthermore, he strongly advised against any mistreatment of students, stating that they should not be seen as second-class citizens just because they are using concession fares. The Minister also warned that any student being asked to vacate their seat for other passengers would face strict actions. He reassured students that if they face such behavior, they are encouraged to file complaints. These measures aim to ensure that students can travel safely and respectfully, without fear of discrimination.