KOCHI: The recent directive of District Collector M G Rajamanickam to provide concession to students in all Thirukochi bus services in the city has landed the Ernakulam KSRTC depot in a fix.
The directive comes in the wake of complaints from parents that the KSRTC was not issuing concession to students on all the routes where the Thirukochi services were being operated.
However, KSRTC officials claim that the directive cannot be implemented as it is an administrative-level decision and can only be implemented if it is approved by the KSRTC MD.
“We have forwarded the directive to the MD and sought his permission in this regard. If he approves, we will issue concession cards in all Thirukochi buses. But till then, we are helpless,” Ernakulam District Transport Officer said.
After several protests and agitations, the KSRTC had introduced student concessions in Thirukochi buses in 2012. However, based on its policy, the KSRTC has not been issuing concession to services operating on routes where only few services are functioning.
“If concessions are provided along these routes, it will affect the collection of the Thirukochi buses. Also, since these few services are prone to be cancelled on certain days, it will affect the students as they pay three months in advance. We will not be able to refund the money,” officials said.
The directive was issued by the District Collector during the ‘students travel facility’ meeting held here the other day.
Presently, Thirukochi services on the Aluva-HMT-Tripunithura route and in Perumbavoor don’t provide student concession.
New Indian Express