Local Bodies Not Obliged to Fund KSRTC Depots, Kerala Minister Says

Transport Minister C.P. John said on Friday (October 16) that local self-government institutions would not be compelled to fund the development or maintenance of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) depots.

He said KSRTC, the public sector utility, would continue to shoulder responsibility for infrastructure improvements at its depots.

Local bodies could nevertheless intervene voluntarily if they wished to improve KSRTC facilities in their respective areas, Mr. John said.

Clarification in the Assembly

The Minister was responding to concerns raised in the Assembly by Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan over reports that local bodies would have to allocate funds for KSRTC depot infrastructure.

Mr. John pointed out that civic bodies were already facing complaints over allocation cuts.

He cautioned that diverting funds towards transport infrastructure could adversely affect their development activities.

The clarification therefore distinguished between voluntary support for local depot improvements and any compulsory financial responsibility being placed on local institutions.

Mr. John said the proposal was not intended to impose a financial obligation on local bodies or encroach upon their existing rights.

Scope for voluntary contributions

According to the Minister, corporations and municipalities with comparatively robust revenue bases could choose to contribute to improving local KSRTC depots if they considered it necessary.

He specifically contrasted their revenue position with that of grama panchayats, while maintaining that any such contribution would remain a choice rather than an obligation.

The position leaves infrastructure improvements with KSRTC as its continuing responsibility, while allowing financially stronger local institutions to support facilities voluntarily where they consider it necessary.

Responding to another query, Mr. John said the government was considering introducing seat belts in long-distance buses, particularly the high-speed Minnal services, to improve passenger safety.

Source: The Hindu