Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has said that the Transport Department was seriously considering the proposal to purchase KSRTC buses using MLA funds.
“In Kochi, Hibi Eden MLA has been notified about the proposal. He has even expressed interest in purchasing buses using his asset funds. We are trying to garner maximum support from the majority of MLAs in the the State,” the Minister said. He said the proposal cannot be implemented unless the majority of MLAs are in favour of the decision. Though the proposal was discussed in the Cabinet a few months ago it met with opposition from a number of MLAs.
The proposal was mooted to salvage the sinking KSRTC. As per the plan, each MLA can purchase 3-5 KSRTC buses using `1 crore from their asset funds. The MLAs will have the authority to decide the routes of the buses. The plan was mooted as the money sanctioned for MLA funds in the State was not being utilised effectively. “Using the asset funds for the purchase of buses is extremely constructive, and does not involve too many procedures. A number of projects such as bus terminals and commercial complexes, which were sanctioned with asset funds, have not materialised yet. For procuring the buses, the MLAs need to sanction the funds. The tender procedures will be carried out by the KSRTC,” said officials of the Department. The revenue generated by operating the buses will go to the KSRTC treasury.
MLAs in the northern parts of Kerala have off-handedly opposed the project, saying that it would be a waste as the KSRTC does not have an upper hand in the Malabar region.
Source: New Indian Express
