After backlash, Kerala transport corp scraps men-only bus service for Ramadan
The criticism surrounding the ‘men-only’ pilgrim tour led the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to revoke its decision on Thursday, March 13. On March 11, the KSRTC announced a men-only bus service, the ‘Ramadan Ziyarat Yatra,’ which later attracted widespread condemnation.In response to the backlash, a KSRTC operator told TNM that, after considering the criticisms, they decided to retract their initial decision. “The initial decision was made after discussions with local mosques, but we have now decided to scrap it after receiving extensive backlash.” The trip will now be made inclusive.The pilgrimage, titled Punya Pookkalam Dhanyamakkan Mahanmarude Charath (At the feet of the great ones to make the holy season blessed), is set to begin from the KSRTC’s Malappuram depot on March 20. It will visit several maqams in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, with Iftar (the breaking of the fast) and Taraweeh (night prayers) scheduled at Knowledge City.The pilgrimage will stop at Omanoor Shuhada Maqam, Shamsul Ulama Maqam, Varakkal Maqam, Idiyangara Maqam, Parappally Maqam, CM Maqam, Odungakkad Maqam, and conclude at Markaz Knowledge City. The ticket price set by KSRTC is Rs 600, and the service will be operated based on advanced bookings.A poster detailing the itinerary and package charges surfaced on social media, raising questions about the men-only policy of a public sector service like KSRTC. Senior journalist KK Shahina raised this concern on Facebook, asking whether operating public transportation exclusively for men violates the Constitution.“The initial decision was made because some mosques may not allow women into the main prayer hall, and it is mostly men who visit mosques for Iftar,” the KSRTC operator told TNM.
THE criticism surrounding the 'men-only’ pilgrim tour led the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to revoke its decision on Thursday, March 13.
On March 11, the KSRTC announced a men-only bus service, the ‘Ramadan Ziyarat Yatra,’ which later attracted widespread condemnation.
In response to the backlash, a KSRTC operator told TNM that, after considering the criticisms, they decided to retract their initial decision.
“The initial decision was made after discussions with local mosques, but we have now decided to scrap it after receiving extensive backlash.” The trip will now be made inclusive.
The pilgrimage, titled Punya Pookkalam Dhanyamakkan Mahanmarude Charath (At the feet of the great ones to make the holy season blessed), is set to begin from the KSRTC’s Malappuram depot on March 20. It will visit several maqams in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, with Iftar (the breaking of the fast) and Taraweeh (night prayers) scheduled at Knowledge City.
The pilgrimage will stop at Omanoor Shuhada Maqam, Shamsul Ulama Maqam, Varakkal Maqam, Idiyangara Maqam, Parappally Maqam, CM Maqam, Odungakkad Maqam, and conclude at Markaz Knowledge City. The ticket price set by KSRTC is Rs 600, and the service will be operated based on advanced bookings.
A poster detailing the itinerary and package charges surfaced on social media, raising questions about the men-only policy of a public sector service like KSRTC. Senior journalist KK Shahina raised this concern on Facebook, asking whether operating public transportation exclusively for men violates the Constitution.
“The initial decision was made because some mosques may not allow women into the main prayer hall, and it is mostly men who visit mosques for Iftar,” the KSRTC operator told TNM.
