Kannur (Kerala) | Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Monday warned of stringent action, including suspension or dismissal, against KSRTC conductors who deliberately issue 'zero tickets' meant for women to men under the state's Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme.
The minister said the government has tightened inspections to detect such irregularities and asserted that no leniency would be shown, irrespective of the employee's trade union affiliation.
"Some conductors had initially claimed that zero tickets were issued to men by mistake. We have now intensified inspections. If anyone is found to have done it deliberately, stringent action, including suspension or dismissal, will follow," John told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here.
He said issuing zero tickets to men after collecting fare amounts to a serious offence and warned that such conductors were "cutting the branch they are sitting on", as the government reimburses KSRTC for operating the scheme.
The minister also condemned incidents in which employees of the Priyadarshini buses were allegedly obstructed or assaulted by private bus workers, saying such attacks were "unacceptable" and would invite strict legal action.
Police action against those involved in attacks on Priyadarshini bus staff would continue, and those attempting such acts should refrain from doing so, he said.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by private bus operators over the scheme, John said the government would address it after receiving the report of the Padmakumar Committee, which was constituted to study problems faced by the private bus sector.
The committee is expected to suggest measures that would resolve the concerns of private operators without adversely affecting KSRTC, he said.
The minister also expressed hope that the heavy rush witnessed on Priyadarshini buses to tourist destinations, including Gavi, would gradually return to normal.
The Priyadarshini scheme, launched by the Kerala government, provides free travel for women on ordinary KSRTC bus services in accordance with a key poll promise by the Congress-led UDF during the recent Assembly polls.