UDF-ruled panchayat in Malappuram seeks review of Kerala govt’s Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme

file image of a KSRTC bus | Photo Credit: K.K. Mustafah The Othukkungal grama panchayat in Malappuram district, ruled by the United Democratic Front (UDF) constituent Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), has passed a resolution seeking to exclude women government employees from the Kerala government’s free KSRTC travel facility under the Priyadarshini scheme.The resolution, moved by welfare standing committee chairperson Khamarudheen, welcomed the social benefits provided by the scheme but called for changes in its implementation.Private services hitIt said the free travel scheme had adversely affected private bus services in the State, with operators facing a significant drop in passenger numbers.The panchayat argued that women government employees with a regular income and other employment benefits should be excluded from the scheme. At the same time, it called for priority to be given to women from financially weaker sections.The move is notable as it is the first reported instance of a civic body controlled by a UDF constituent calling for a review of the new UDF government’s much-publicised Priyadarshini scheme.The resolution also highlighted the concerns raised by private bus owners and workers over the impact of the scheme on the sector. Published - August 10, 2026 01:43 pm IST