As Kerala Rolls Out Free Bus Rides for Women, Men’s Group Plans Protest
The state government has named the scheme Priyadarshini, which was announced by Chief Minister VD Satheesan at a recent press conference
The All Kerala Men’s Association(AKMA) has come out against the state government’s decision to implement the free bus travel announced to aid women and transgender persons in Kerala. The newly inducted Congress-led government in Kerala is set to start the proposed ‘Priyadarshini scheme’ from June 15th in all state-owned local bus services.
According to a decision taken at the first Cabinet meeting under the Indira Guarantee initiative, free travel in ordinary KSRTC buses will be provided to all women and transgender persons, irrespective of age.
The state government has named the scheme Priyadarshini, which was announced by Chief Minister VD Satheesan at a recent press conference.
Priyadarshini Scheme
Although similar schemes have been implemented in other Congress-led states such as Karnataka and Telangana, and NDA-ruled Andhra Pradesh, this is the first time such a scheme is being implemented in Kerala.
As per CM’s press meet announcement, there will be no income criteria, age limit, or other conditions to avail the scheme.
The Chief Minister had also stated that the initiative could create an additional financial burden of ₹65–70 crore per month for the government and result in a revenue loss of more than ₹800 crore annually for KSRTC.
Sprouting ‘Men’s Rights Activists’ in Kerala
Shortly after the press meet, the All Kerala Men's Association declared that it would protest against the scheme on June 15 by blocking KSRTC buses. The organisation has also announced a protest in front of the State Secretariat.
The association said it opposes providing free travel solely on the basis of gender without considering the financial situation. In a video shared on Facebook, members were seen warning that they would stop buses and travel without purchasing tickets as part of the protest.
The opposition regarding the scheme is not unprecedented. Known in different names in different states - Shakti scheme in Karnataka, Mahalaxmi scheme in Telangana and Stree Shakti scheme in Andhra Pradesh - similar objections have already been raised against the scheme.
However, the reaction to the free bus travel scheme in Kerala comes on the heels of emerging men’s rights activism in the state. A recent viral ‘cardboard box'protest saw male passengers wearing cardboard ‘shields’ to protect themselves from accidental physical contact with female passengers. This protest was sparked by the suicide of a 41-year-old man from Kozhikode who faced social media backlash after a female influencer recorded and posted a video accusing him of sexual harassment on a KSRTC bus.
The activists have also been come under severe criticism for publicly coming out in support of men accused of sexual assault, including the accused in 2017 actress assault case.
