Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Wednesday expressed regret over his remarks concerning the Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme for women, saying he had no intention of insulting or hurting anyone.
The minister admitted that he should have been more careful with his choice of words and acknowledged that he should not have made the comments that sparked a political controversy in the state.
John had made the remarks while addressing an event organised by private bus owners, where he said that women using the state’s free travel scheme and government hospitals often chose to send their children to private schools. His comments drew criticism from opposition parties.
“I was speaking at a small event and used certain words casually. I should have been more careful with my choice of words. I should not have said what I did. I have no false ego in admitting that and have no hesitation in expressing regret,” John told reporters.
He clarified that his apology was not made at anyone’s direction and said he regretted his remarks if they had caused hurt.
“I had no intention of hurting or insulting anyone. The Priyadarshini scheme will continue as it is a prestigious flagship programme of the UDF government,” he said.
Responding to allegations by CPI(M) leaders that his comments indicated a move to discontinue the scheme, John said there was no question of stopping it.
“We are not going to stop it. Let there be no doubt about it. The scheme will continue and it is one of the government’s biggest commitments,” he said.
The Priyadarshini scheme provides free travel for women on ordinary services operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and was announced as one of the UDF government’s key election promises.
John said the scheme was a right for women and not a form of charity. He added that it did not discriminate against women based on age or financial status, and that all women were entitled to use the service.
The minister also said that extreme poverty continues to exist in Kerala and dismissed claims suggesting otherwise. He said the government would take steps to address the issue and that the Priyadarshini scheme had helped reduce the impact of poverty.
Clarifying concerns over the financial impact on KSRTC, John said the scheme was not a burden on the corporation as it was a government initiative. He added that the government had already provided Rs 40 crore to KSRTC for operating the service for 15 days in June.
(With inputs from PTI)