Transport Minister Antony Raju on Sunday found himself in a difficult spot after his remarks on student concession were deplored by student outfits in the State, including Student Federation of India (SFI). While emphasising the need to hike bus fares, including student concession charge of ₹2, Mr. Raju had told the media that the students themselves treated fare concession as a shameful thing and many chose to forego the balance amount after paying ₹5.
“The demand of private bus owners to revise the bus charges is fair. They have also sought revision of student concession, which was last revised in 2012. Before and after school hours, students normally outnumber other passengers and private buses sustain a loss,” said Mr. Raju. A fare hike was more important for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation than private buses, he had said. However, discussions were needed before revising the fares, including students’ concession, and a final decision would be taken with utmost care, the Minister had said.
