Free bus passes for all students sought

Members of the district unit of Students Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest in Hassan on Wednesday demanding free bus passes for students of all categories.

They demanded that the JD(S)-Congress coalition government implement the assurance given by the previous Congress government in this regard.

Dharna staged

The protesters, who took out a march, staged a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. In a press release, M. Asha, district secretary, SFI, said the organisation had staged protests across the State in June and July last year demanding free bus passes for all students.

Considering the demand, the then government had announced free passes in its budget. “However, the coalition government does not seem to be likely to implement the same, leaving the student community disappointed,” she said.

Higher costs

Condemning the government’s move, she said the free bus pass was essential as the bus fare in Karnataka is costlier than the fare in neighbouring states. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been providing free bus passes for students up to post-graduation.

“The government should fulfil the demand otherwise the organisation would stage a protest in front of KSRTC head office in Bengaluru on June 15,” she said.