The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed the Managing Director of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to withdraw its order that students need not be allowed concession tickets on routes where only a single service is being run.
The said decision of the KSRTC is discriminatory and a serious violation of child rights, the Commission said. Commission chairperson Shobha Koshy ordered the corporation to issue an order, allowing concession tickets for students on all routes and to inform the Commission of the action taken.
The Commission suo motu took cognisance of the matter following media reports that students, including those from tribal hamlets, travelling from the forest region of Chekadi in Wayanad to Pulppalli, were being denied concession by the KSRTC.
The Transport Commissioner had informed the Child Rights Commission that the Government Order allowing concession rates for students on all days including holidays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. within 40 km radius, was applicable to the KSRTC, too. The Commission also directed the Transport Secretary to ensure that the Government Orders on student concessions were being followed by the KSRTC.
News : The Hindu
