Women in the Nilgiris deprived of free bus travel scheme, alleges association
The Coonoor Consumer Protection Association is demanding clarity on whether free bus travel for women applies to express buses in the Nilgiris district. They also allege that local transport authorities have failed to address issues regarding mini-bus permits and fare hikes.
Why it matters
It highlights the gap between government policy announcements and the practical implementation of welfare schemes in rural or hilly regions.
The Coonoor Consumer Protection Association has asked for clarification from the State government as to whether free bus travel for women would be applicable in the Nilgiris.
S. Manogaran, president of the Coonoor Consumer Protection Association said out of 367 buses in the district, only 167 are being operated as ordinary-fare mofussil buses. “The remaining 180 buses have been extended to the plains and are charged express fares, on the grounds that they travel more than 80 km. Under the previous government, only 110 mofussil buses operating within a distance of 35 km were functioning as free-travel buses for women.
In the announcement recently issued, it has been stated that women can travel free of charge even on express buses. However, it is not clear whether this benefit will also apply to the express buses operating in the Nilgiris,” he said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in