Some of the advertisements that appear on the sides of the buses run by cash-strapped Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), have raised the eyebrows of people who consider them as vulgar.

In April 2011, after a year without advertisements, the KSRTC entered into a two-year contract with Hyderabad-based Koushik Group for displaying ads on buses for a Rs 3.03 crore.

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The contract period would come to an end by March 31, 2013. Some of the passengers have taken exception to stills from movies displayed on the buses, which they deem as vulgar.

“Crossing the limits of decency, KSRTC buses now display offensive film posters and pictures as advertisements on its buses, which is deplorable. I hope that officials will initiate action against this,” said Thomas, a passenger.

According to KSRTC authorities, they have not compromised their policies over the guidelines for advertising.

“We strictly follow the policies of the corporation. We don’t permit advertisements banned by the government and those which are against the corporation. However, there is no restriction for cinema stills to be placed on our buses,” said KSRTC estate section superintendent Sreekumar.

With nearly 6,000 KSTRC buses covering the length and breadth of the state, the KSRTC is all set to renew the advertisement contract.

The corporation is expecting a total of Rs 5 crore from the fresh contract for which it has already invited tenders. Though, jewellers and textile shops patronise the KSRTC buses with their ads, its mostly the Malayalam movie makers which utilises it to reach out to the crowds and create a buzz around films.

Source: New Indian Express

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