‘Women crowd into Priyadarshini, but admit children in fee-paying private schools,’ Minister C P John’s remarks draw flak

PALAKKAD: Transport Minister C P John’s remark against women has drawn flak from all corners. His remarks were while referring to the heavy rush witnessed in Priyadarshini bus.

‘Women are rushing in KSRTC buses because they cannot afford to pay for travel, but at the same time they choose to admit their children in private schools by paying fees. He added that even when there are government-aided schools with little or no fees, many parents avoid them, leaving seats vacant in government schools.

He further remarked that people prefer the cheapest mode of transport when buses arrive, yet when illness strikes, they rely on government hospitals instead of private hospitals, with fathers and husbands waiting in the corridors of public hospitals. The behaviour of the people of Keralam is astonishing,’ he said.

The remarks, made during the state conference of the Kerala Bus Transport Association, drew sharp criticism from all sides. However, C P John later defended his comments, saying he stood by what he had said. His remarks were intended to highlight the poverty faced by many women. There are women who genuinely cannot afford travel expenses and that politicians, including himself, often fail to fully understand their hardships.

Free bus travel for women was one of the major promises in the UDF’s election manifesto. After assuming office, the government launched the Priyadarshini scheme within a month. Initially, the scheme has been implemented only on ordinary KSRTC buses. The service has since witnessed overwhelming demand, with many women shifting from private buses to Priyadarshini buses. Private bus operators claim that the scheme has pushed them to the brink of financial collapse.