Girls can travel anywhere. Why can’t we? ask Bengaluru boys

Times News Network

Bengaluru: “Why should only girls have all the free rides?” Disappointment writ large on their faces, boys are asking this question. They are yet to come to terms with Karnataka govt’s announcement — made more than a week ago — that male students, too, enjoy free bus rides to schools and colleges. From primary school to post-graduation.

The announcement comes with a big caveat: Free travel for boys will be restricted to the route between their homes and educational institutions. This mirrors the existing student bus pass system, but without a fee.

On the other hand, girls enjoy free rides across Karnataka without opening their purse strings. Unlimited travel, unlimited routes.

Soon after taking over as chief minister, DK Shivakumar announced free bus travel for boys. This was met with much celebration as it promised significant savings on daily commute cost. But the excitement was short-lived. Boys won’t be able to hop onto any state-run bus and travel wherever they want.

“We are happy that our female friends have no restrictions on routes or trips they undertake. Now that the govt has extended the free bus pass for us, we would be grateful if they allow us to travel like the girls do,” said Rahul Raj, a II PU student. He travels daily between Chandra Layout and Jayanagar 4th Block.

The scheme is expected to benefit more than 10 lakh students across Karnataka and over 2 lakh students in Bengaluru alone. “It’s actually a very good initiative. I’m able to save up to Rs 80 a day,” said Ishan Kumar Sah, 16. But students say the restrictions reduce the scheme’s usefulness. Suveera Kustagi, a first-year degree student from Yelahanka, concurred with Ishan: “The only benefit is that I will save about Rs 1,050 a year.”

Several students view the differential approach to free bus rides as “unequal treatment”. Boys said students often travel beyond their approved routes for tuition, coaching centres, libraries, sports practice or part-time work. However, there is a section that fears boys could misuse unlimited travel if it is rolled out. Said Rupesh Kumar Chaudhary, a student: “It is better that they’ve given the facility only till educational institutions.”

A BMTC official said they have already opened its portal for receiving applications. Boys who have paid the fee for student passes will get reimbursement.

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Quotes

The only disadvantage is I won’t be able to travel everywhere. But I’m still okay with it.

— Vishal Gowda, 16

It would have been great if all students got a free service. It will be highly beneficial if students are allowed to travel free within the city.

— Manoj GL, 20

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Refund for boys who have already paid

Transport minister Byrathi Suresh on Thursday announced that students who have already purchased student bus passes will be eligible for a refund. The free bus travel scheme for boys studying from primary school to postgraduate level was announced after DK Shivakumar assumed charge as CM. The minister said guidelines for implementing the free bus pass scheme have been prepared and will be released shortly.

— TN Laasya