Kerala Human Rights Commission Takes Action on KSRTC Student Ticket Delay
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued a significant directive, ordering three officials from the KSRTC Kottarakkara depot to appear in person at its upcoming sitting in March. They must provide a detailed explanation for the unjustified delay in issuing concession tickets to school students, a matter that has sparked public concern over administrative lapses.
Background of the Complaint
The commission's intervention stems from a petition filed by P J Ajith Kumar, a senior citizen residing in Ezhukon. He brought to light the distressing situation where his school-going grandchildren were denied concession tickets despite completing the required application process. Kumar highlighted the financial and personal toll this caused, noting that he spent Rs 100 at a computer centre to submit the application online, only to face delays that resulted in wasted time and money due to official negligence.
Official Response and Counterarguments
In response to the complaint, the Kottarakkara district transport officer submitted a report attributing the delay to the non-upload of Form No 1, a document certified by the school and deemed mandatory for the concession. However, the complainant contested this claim, pointing out that a notice displayed outside the office of the KSRTC unit officer at Kottarakkara did not list Form No 1 as a required document, raising questions about transparency and communication.
Commission's Findings and Directives
After a thorough examination of the records, the commission, led by member V Geetha, made a critical observation. It noted that Form No 1 was not explicitly listed among the documents required for uploading to avail the concession. This finding lent credibility to the complainant's assertion that the children faced unnecessary harassment due to bureaucratic oversights.
To address this lapse and ensure accountability, the commission has directed the officials to appear in person to provide clarification. They must explain the reasons behind the delay and address any objections, underscoring the commission's commitment to upholding human rights and efficient public service delivery.
Implications and Broader Context
This case highlights ongoing issues in the administration of student concessions in Kerala, emphasizing the need for:
- Clear communication of required documents by transport authorities.
- Timely processing of applications to prevent inconvenience to students and families.
- Accountability measures for officials to deter similar lapses in the future.
The SHRC's proactive stance serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding citizens' rights, particularly in essential services like public transportation for students.
